A Comparative Analysis of CAPE and CIN Estimations Using Remote Sensing Techniques during the PECAN Field Campaign

Nocturnal Convection Initiation (NCI) presents a significant forecasting challenge due to the limitations of numerical models in accurately resolving the phenomenon and the inadequacies of traditional observation techniques in capturing the forcing mechanisms that lead to NCI. Key indicators of convection potential, such as Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) and Convective Inhibition (CIN), measure atmospheric instability and the energy required to elevate an air parcel to its level of free convection, respectively. While CAPE and CIN are integral to weather forecasting operations, they are typically derived from semi-diurnal radiosonde launches and model-simulated thermodynamic profiles. This study leverages remote sensing data collected during the Plains Elevated Convection At Night (PECAN) field campaign to calculate CAPE and CIN values at high temporal resolution within the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL). High-resolution water vapor observations of the vertical column are obtained from surface-based Raman lidar systems and both surface-based and airborne Differential Absorption lidar systems. Additionally, temperature profiles are retrieved using passive Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) systems and in-situ radiosondes. The study compares CAPE and CIN values derived from these various observation techniques, evaluates their respective strengths, and discusses the impact that system observation uncertainty plays when estimating convection potential.