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-β model. The model includes a detailed representation of surface fluxes and friction that evolve in time as the incoming solar radiation interacts with the soil and vegetation. Simulations of a zonal flow over a north–south-oriented ridge covered by different types of vegetation are presented and examined. The intensity of downslope winds and turbulent kinetic energy structure appear to be especially sensitive to the presence and type of vegetation. Model-predicted rainfall is also examined, indicating an enhancement when mountainous areas are covered by conifer forest.