Microphysical characteristics in supercell thunderstorms using mobile dual-polarization radars and mobile disdrometers

Improved predictability of severe storm behavior is expected to emerge from a better understanding of storm evolution dependence on microphysical characteristics, which to date remains relatively unknown. Dual-polarization Doppler radars and disdrometers are used to examine the microphysical characteristics of supercell thunderstorms in the Great Plains during the second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2) conducted in 2009 and 2010. Mobile disdrometers were deployed ahead of supercell thunderstorms, such as just downstream of the hook appendage measuring transects of particle size distribution and fall velocity distribution through the storm. The deployment of a mobile disdrometers is a novel idea and was first tested during VORTEX2. A comprehensive analysis of the disdrometer observations within supercell thunderstorms is presented, and the results are related to high-resolution polarimetric Doppler radar observations. While recent analyzes of disdrometers and polarimetric radar observations have provided some insights about hydrometeor types within supercell thunderstorms, a comprehensive analysis of a number of cases using high-resolution measurements has yet to be established. We will characterize particle size distribution and fall velocities in different areas of the storm and at various lifetimes of supercell thunderstorms. A study of steady-state and intermittent microphysical processes relevant for ice production will be presented through the analysis of 3-dimensional dual-polarization and dual-Doppler radar data.