Doppler Radar Observations of an Asymmetric Mesoscale Convective System and Associated Vortex Couplet

Abstract

Abstract A study of the 28 May 1985 “asymmetric” mesoscale convective system (MCS) observed during PRE-STORM is presented. Dual-Doppler analysis revealed a well-defined cyclonic mesovortex in the northern portion of the stratiform region, in accord with previous studies on this type of circulation. At maximum extent, the closed cyclonic circulation had a diameter of approximately 80 km and a depth of 7 km. A smaller anticyclonic circulation was present to the south of the cyclonic vortex. Counterrotating vortices in asymmetric MCSs have been identified in recent modeling studies; however, prior to this study, observational confirmation of the anticyclonic vortex has been elusive.