Verification of the origin of rotation in tornadoes experiment, part 2 (VORTEX2): data from the NOAA (NSSL) x-band dual-polarized radar

The NOAA (NSSL), X-Band, Dual-Polarized, (NOXP) mobile radar collected data for eleven and ½ weeks during VORTEX2 2009 and 2010. Data on three supercells, one tornadic and two non-tornadic, were collected during the first year of VORTEX2. NOXP operated as a mesocyclone-scale radar, obtaining dual-polarimetric data during the evolution of mesocyclones within target storms, offering high-resolution insight into structural stages and changes. Distinct polarimetric signatures have previously been observed at S- (10-cm) and C-bands (5-cm), but not extensively at X-band. The X-band signatures distinguish the hydrometer distributions as a result of dynamic interactions within the storm, which include the Zdr arc, Zdr column, Kdp column, Rhv ring, Rhv column, tornado debris signature (TDS), and others. This paper discusses the characteristic signatures as seen in the cases obtained from VORTEX2 year 1, and also briefly distinguishes the differences in evolution of polarimetric signatures from data obtained from the June 5, 2009 La Grange, WY tornadic supercell, as well as two non-tornadic supercells obtained on June 7, 2009 near Oregon, MO, and June 9, 2009 near Greensburg, KS. An attempt has been made to mitigate the impacts of attenuation and differential attenuation using the ZPHI-Rain Profiling algorithm; limitations are described for each case. If time permits, data obtained from 2010 will also be discussed.