Publications

Progressive Monte Carlo Rendering of Atmospheric Flow Features Across Scales

Tobias Günther, Alexander Kuhn, Hans-Christian Hege, Markus Gross and Holger Theisel

Gallery of Fluid Motion, 2016

🏆 Milton van Dyke Poster Award

Abstract

To improve existing weather prediction and reanalysis capabilities, high-resolution and multi-modal climate data becomes increasingly important. High-resolution numerical simulation of atmospheric phenomena provides new means to understand dynamic processes and to visualize structural flow patterns. In the presented figures, we demonstrate an advanced technique to visualize multiple scales of dense flow fields and Lagrangian patterns therein, simulated by state-of-the-art simulation models for each scale. They provide insight into the structural differences and patterns that occur on each scale and highlight the complexity of flow phenomena in our atmosphere. For visualization, we use an unbiased and consistent Monte Carlo rendering technique.
The method approximates non-local flow integrals to derive the finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) field, which highlights areas of strong repelling behavior and denotes regions that cannot be crossed by virtual atmospheric tracers. These so-called material structures constrain the advection of trace gases (such as CO2 or SO2), guide temperature diffusion, and cloud formation. Overall, the Lagrangian perspective provides a novel view into the non-local, long-term dynamics of the atmospheric flow fields at each scale.

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