Investigation of low-frequency perturbations induced by a steep obstacle

Flow perturbation due to the orographic forcing at the top of a steep ridge has been investigated. Spectral and wavelet analyses of longitudinal and vertical wind velocity components highlight the presence of low-frequency perturbations produced by topography. Wavelet kurtosis reveals the intermittent character of these perturbations. The application of a multi-resolution data filter allows the detection of the topographically forced structures and the consequent statistical characterisation. The detected topographically forced structures remain active only for a 15% of the time on average. Nevertheless, they appear very efficient in the momentum transport, accounting for about 50% of the downward momentum flux produced in the low frequency range. Quadrant analysis highlights how topographical forcing produces the weakening of ejections and the strengthening of sweeps at the top of the ridge.