Quasi‐lagrangian energetics of an intense mediterranean cyclone

Studies of the energetics of synoptic‐scale systems and similar kinds of investigation have traditionally used a Eulerian framework. In this study, the energetics of a synoptic‐scale system have been considered using a quasi‐Lagrangian method, in order to isolate the disturbance under consideration within a volume which moves together with the system at each stage of its development. Applying a Lagrangian framework implies that the dimensions of the computational area can be modified on the basis of predetermined criteria. In this study, an area surrounding a depression as shown on the surface analysis, has been selected. This area moves together with the centre of the depression. the energetics results obtained using such a quasi‐Lagrangian scheme are compared to those obtained by using a Eulerian framework. The synoptic‐scale system studied here is a wintertime frontal depression, the greatest development of which occurred in the central Mediterranean on 7 December 1991. This depression moved east accompanied by significant temperature changes, heavy precipitation and gale force winds.