Investigate the Macro- and Microphysical Properties of Three Modes of Mesoscale Convective Systems during the PECAN Field Campaign

Linear mesoscale convective systems (MCS) can be classified into three common modes based on the positions of convective lines - trailing (TS), leading (LS) or parallel (PS) to stratiform precipitation. In order to investigate the macro- and microphysical properties of each mode, nocturnal MCS cases occurring during the Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN) filed project will be analyzed in this study. Utilizing the methods from Parker and Johnson (2000), two TS (UFO10 and IOP27), one LS (UFO8A), and one PS (IOP23) linear MCS cases were selected. The lower-tropospheric profiling data, including wind, temperature and humidity collected from PECAN Integrated Sounding Array (PISA) will be used to analyze the atmospheric conditions before, during and after each storm. The data from aircraft measurements (if available) will also be used to provide insights into the microphysical properties within the storm. The 3-D structure, duration, magnitude, and propagation speed of each storm will be analyzed using the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) radar reflectivity. The precipitation characteristics of each case will be identified using the stage-IV precipitation estimates.