Polarimetric Signatures Associated with Severe Bow-echoes

Numerous studies have been conducted observing polarimetric signatures associated with supercell thunderstorms (e.g. Kumjian and Ryzhkov 2007), however, limited research currently exists observing polarimetric signatures associated with severe bow echoes. This study will examine the 30 June 2014 bow echoes across eastern Iowa and northern Illinois from a dual-pol perspective. A brief review of the mesoscale environment conducive to bow echo development will be provided along with thorough radar interrogation of the event. While the structure of the bow-echo will be examined both vertically and horizontally, of particular interest are the microphysical properties of the rear-inflow jet (RIJ) and also the dominant northern bookend vortex often associated with corridors of significant wind damage. Because this is an exploratory study, only one event is used as the sample set. This study will be used as a pilot to provide the foundation for a larger study with an expanded sample set following up on the polarimetric observations discovered through the pilot. The eventual goal is to isolate precursory polarimetric signatures specific to damaging bow echoes that can be used within an operational environment.