A Review of Texas Tech Ka-band Operations during VORTEX2

Two newly-constructed Texas Tech Ka-band (TTUKa) radars were taken into the field as part of the Verification of the Origin of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment in 2009 and 2010. Utilizing a high transmit frequency and a non-linear frequency modulation pulse compression technique, these platforms are designed to prioritize spatial resolution and sensitivity. As such, they factor in a number of VORTEX2 missions, including the observation of low-level wind fields within the tornado cyclone and the detection of vorticity maxima along storm-generated boundaries in the pre-tornadic environment.

Over the aggregate 12-week field phase, there were approximately 150 radar deployments documenting the evolution and structure of VORTEX2 target storms. In total, approximately ten tornadoes were sampled including events near Lagrange, WY (5 June 2009), Stinnett, TX (18 May 2010), Tribune, KS (25 May 2010), Agate, CO (11 June 2010), and Booker, TX (13 June 2010). Other cases feature unique storm-scale features, such as distinct ascending and descending maxima in horizontal vorticity along rear flank gust fronts (e.g., 12 May 2010 near Willow, OK).

This presentation will cover the development of the TTUKa mobile radars, recent upgrades, highlights of the tornado and storm-scale data collection over the two-year VORTEX2 period, and results from ongoing analysis of VORTEX2 cases.