Extended Abstract (1.4M)7.5
Comparison of storm evolution characteristics: The NWRT and WSR-88D
Pamela L. Heinselman, CIMMS/Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK; and K. L. Manross, D. L. Priegnitz, and R. Adams
The National Weather Radar Testbed (NWRT), located in Norman, Oklahoma at the National Severe Storms Laboratory, began collecting data with the Phased Array Radar (PAR) in spring of 2003. Until recently, these data were used mostly to address engineering issues. Beginning in late spring of 2006 the stability of the NWRT PAR was sufficient to allow the collection of data. Several storm events have been captured since colletion began, and more atmospheric phenomena are being added to the PAR data set. A key advantage of the NWRT is the capability to adaptively scan storms at higher temporal resolution than is possible by the WSR-88D (1 min or less vs 5 min, respectively). Potential benefits of faster scanning of convective storms include better understanding of storm dynamics and initiation, better detection of small-scale phenomena, and increased lead time for warnings, to name a few. This is part of an ongoing scientific study of small scale phenomena, such as tornadoes, microbursts, and the development of convective storm structure, utilizing the NWRT PAR. A first step toward this goal is comparative analysis of the evolution of convective storm structure for single cells, multicells, and line segments using rapid-scanning reflectivity and velocity data collected by the NWRT and conventional reflectivity data collected by the nearby WSR-88D (KTLX) during 2006. The analysis will focus on features associated with storm initiation, growth, and decay, including mergers and hail cores. In addition to meteorological features crude tracking of aircraft targets will be briefly illustrated. Results of this analysis will be reported in the extended abstract.
Session 7, Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR)
Wednesday, 17 January 2007, 1:30 PM-5:30 PM, 217A
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