92nd American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting (January 22-26, 2012)

Sunday, 22 January 2012
Cloud Photogrammetry and Dual-Polarization Doppler Radar Measurements
Hall E (New Orleans Convention Center )
Alyssa A. Matthews, Saint Cloud State University, St Cloud, MN; and S. Santeiu

This project involves the use of cloud photogrammetry in association with dual-polarization Doppler radar measurements to provide a unique analysis of developing severe weather. Motivation for this project comes from a need to understand the physical processes within developing cumulus clouds and to recognize those processes by visual inspection of the clouds as well as radar analysis. In order to achieve this goal, this project works innovatively with the Colorado State University-CHILL (CSU-CHILL) National Radar and its Virtual-CHILL (VCHILL) program to access collected radar data. Developing cumulus clouds, precipitation shafts, and other prominent cloud characteristics are analyzed through inspection of multiparameter radar data. The outcome of this research will allow those in meteorological and engineering fields to combine radar and visual data in order to analyze developing cumulus clouds and understand their physical processes. The results of this project may be used in the National Weather Service's transition to dual-polarization Doppler radars, and National Weather Service storm spotters may use the results of this research to identify potentially severe developing cumulus clouds by sight.

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