High resolution observations of terrain modified storms using the MRI portable X-band Doppler radar (X-POD)

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the first field observations by using the MRI portable X-band Doppler radar (X-POD). An important aspect of this radar is its portability. In mountainous regions, radar observations are usually affected by beam blockage, which makes it nearly impossible to examine modified processes in a region of complex terrain. The X-POD can deploy close to mountains. Therefore, the fine-scale data obtained with the X-POD are important as they provide unique reflectivity and Doppler velocity information, which can be used to help to understand modification of the airflow and precipitation pattern by the topography. The first experiment of X-POD over mountain region was conducted at the Gunma University in the Numata basin (the Kanto region, Japan) during September to October 2006. In this paper, we discuss close range and high resolution observations of terrain modified storms in a variety of synoptic situations such as fronts, cyclones, thunderstorms during the experiment.