ZDR Column Altitudinal Extent in Isolated Tornado-producing Supercells

Analysis of particular differential reflectivity (Z_DR) signatures in supercell thunderstorms provides vital information regarding microphysical distributions, which, in turn, supply insight into storm evolution and propagation. For example, characteristics of the Z_DR column – depicted by an area of high Z_DR values that extends above the environmental 0 ˚C level and is collocated with the updraft – have been linked to specifics regarding updraft strength and thus, storm intensity. Assessing the presence of patterns of Z_DR column altudinal extent above the environmental 0 ˚C level and column shape through storm-scale space and time may offer crucial information concerning changes in updraft, and subsequently mesocyclone, strength. A sample of 145 tornadic and nontornadic supercells spanning the period of February 2012 – December 2014 will be analyzed in order to assess variability of Z_DR column shape and extent above the environmental 0 ˚C level. Findings from an examination of a few case studies will also be provided in order to allow for valuable comparisons between storm populations with similar column characteristics across varying convective environments.