Radar-observed bulk microphysics of midlatitude leading-line trailing-stratiform mesoscale convective systems

2Citations
Citations of this article
12Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.
Get full text

Abstract

In 2013, all NEXRAD WSR-88D units in the United States were upgraded to dual polarization. Dual polarization allows for the identification of precipitation particle shape, size, orientation, and concentration. In this study, dual-polarization NEXRAD observations from 34 recent events are used to identify the bulk microphysical characteristics of a specific subset of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), the leading-line trailing-stratiform (LLTS) MCS. NEXRAD observations are used to examine hydrometeor distributions in relative altitude to the 0°C level and as a function of storm life cycle, precipitation source (convective or stratiform), and storm environment. The analysis reveals that graupel particles are the most frequently classified hydrometeor class in a layer extending from the 0°C-level altitude to approximately 5 km above within the convective region. Below the 0°C level, rain is the most frequently classified hydrometeor, with small hail and graupel concentrations present throughout the LLTS system's life cycle. The stratiform precipitation region contains small graupel concentrations in a shallow layer above the 0°C level, with pristine ice crystals being classified as the most frequently observed hydrometeor at higher altitudes and snow aggregates being classified as the most frequently observed hydrometeor at lower altitudes above the environmental 0°C level. Variations in most unstable convective available potential energy (MUCAPE) have the largest impact on the vertical distribution of hydrometeors, because more-unstable environments are characterized by a greater production of rimed ice.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Handler, S. L., & Homeyer, C. R. (2018). Radar-observed bulk microphysics of midlatitude leading-line trailing-stratiform mesoscale convective systems. Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology, 57(10), 2231–2248. https://doi.org/10.1175/JAMC-D-18-0030.1

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free