At this colloquium, we are happy to welcome:

Tim Hewson (ECMWF)

Peter Spichtinger (Universität Mainz)

Andreas Beckert (Universität Hamburg)

Detection and Visual Analysis of 3D Atmospheric Fronts using the Interactive Visualization Framework Met.3D

Atmospheric fronts are a widely used conceptual model in meteorology, most encountered as two-dimensional (2D) front lines on surface analysis charts. The three-dimensional (3D) dynamical structure of fronts has been studied in the literature by means of "standard" 2D maps and cross-sections, and is commonly depicted in 3D illustrations of idealised weather systems in atmospheric science textbooks.

This talk highlights the benefits of objective 3D front analysis for atmospheric case studies and forecasting. The gradient-based 3D front detection method, combined with modern and interactive visual analysis techniques, enables rapid analysis of complex weather situations and is applicable to state-of-the-art numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, including convection-permitting, kilometre-scale resolutions.

Additionally, automated front-tracking algorithms based on geometric and physical properties are demonstrated to generate time series of frontal attributes. These time series are clustered using distance metrics and k-means to efficiently compare and analyse different weather scenarios.

Integrated into the interactive 3D visualisation framework, Met.3D, 3D front geometries can be combined with other atmospheric features, such as clouds, jet-stream core lines and trajectories, as well as traditional 2D maps and cross-sections. This facilitates detailed exploration of the spatio-temporal evolution of fronts, supporting rapid analysis of case studies of extratropical cyclones and frontal development during cyclogenesis.