Extended Abstract (2.0M)14D.5
Mesoscale and precipitation processes observed by Doppler profiler and radar during the landfall of Tropical Storm Gabrielle
Kevin R. Knupp, University of Alabama, Huntsville, AL; and J. T. Walters and M. I. Biggerstaff
During its landfall, Tropical Storm Gabrielle was sampled by the Mobile Integrated Profiling System (MIPS) and SMART-R radar, located within 1 km of the MIPS. Gabrielle displayed a distinctly non-steady behavior as a result of rapid intensification, following by nearly equal rapid weakening associated with increasing tropospheric wind shear and the landfall process itself. In this paper we will address the variability in precipitation properties and associated mesoscale motions during a 10 h period around landfall. Precipitation properties, as inferred from Doppler measurements from the vertical beam of the MIPS 915 MHz profiler, show considerable variability among the initial, down-shear stratiform region; the quasi-convective region; and the left flank trailing stratiform region. Mesoscale vertical motions and precipitation characteristics are derived from EVAD analyses of SMART-R Doppler radar data, along with vertical beam Doppler spectra acquired from the MIPS 915 MHz profiler, nearly co-located with the SMART-R radar. These analyses are supplemented with dual Doppler analyses of evolving rainband structures, as determined from the SMART-R and Tampa WSR-88D Doppler radars, separated by 70 km. The radar observations reveal the formation of narrow rainbands during the period of observations. In addition, this analysis will also examine upper tropospheric waves that were measured within the inner core region of Gabrielle by the MIPS, as circulation center of Gabrielle passed over the site.
Session 14D, Tropical cyclones at landfall III
Thursday, 6 May 2004, 1:30 PM-3:00 PM, Napoleon III Room
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