THE INFLUENCE OF VEGETATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND STRUCTURE OF MOUNTAIN WAVES

The influence of vegetative cover on the development of mountain waves is analyzed using a two-dimensional meso-beta model. The model includ es a detailed representation of surface fluxes and friction that evolv e in time as the incoming solar radiation interacts with the soil and vegetation. Simulations of a zonal now over a north-south-oriented rid ge covered by different types of vegetation are presented and examined The intensity of downslope winds and turbulent kinetic energy structu re appear to be especially sensitive to the presence and type of veget ation. Model-predicted rainfall is also examined, indicating an enhanc ement when mountainous areas are covered by conifer forest.