An overview of volumetric datasets collected during tornadogenesis using a mobile, rapid-scan, polarimetric Doppler radar: 2012–2014

Since the spring of 2011, we have been probing supercells with a mobile, rapid-scan, X-band, polarimetric, Doppler radar (RaXPol), with several objectives: One is to document the kinematic and microphysical aspects of supercell evolution during tornadogenesis and another is to document tornado structure. In this presentation we will present an overview of the more significant datasets we have collected since 2012. Some of these datasets are being analyzed by some of the co-authors and will be discussed in more detail elsewhere. In this presentation, however, we will note the salient aspects of each and will try to put the individual studies into a broader context. The cases for which tornadogenesis was documented include the following: the Edmond – Carney and Norman – Shawnee tornadoes of 19 May 2013 and the El Reno tornado(es) of 31 May 2013, as well as weaker tornadoes in southwestern Oklahoma on 18 March 2012, central Kansas on 25 May 2012, central Oklahoma on 29 May 2012, and in southwestern Oklahoma on 29 May 2013. If time permits, other cases in which vortices were spawned but too weak to be termed tornadoes will also be shown. These include supercells in southern/central Oklahoma on 30 May 2013, central Kansas on 27 May 2013, southwest Kansas on 11 May 2014, southwestern Nebraska on 3 June 2014, and eastern Colorado on 5 June 2014.