Combined observations of total lightning activity, cloud microphysics and kinematics as observed by the UAH/NSSTC ARMOR dual-polarimetric radar and TRMM

The UAH/NSSTC C-band WSR-74C Doppler radar and supporting computer and communications infrastructure at the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) were recently upgraded to full dual-polarimetric capabilities. The upgraded radar, named ARMOR (Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research), is located at Huntsville International Airport under the coverage umbrella of the NASA Northern Alabama Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) and within the northern Alabama Severe Thunderstorm Observations and Research Meteorological network (STORMnet).

In this study coordinated dual-Doppler sampling and LMA data will be analyzed with TRMM satellite Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS), passive microwave (TMI) and Precipitation Radar (PR) data for several coincident TRMM satellite overpasses to evaluate temporal trends in lightning as related to cloud microphysics and kinematics. The results will be discussed relative to the potential for future geostationary integrated spaceborne remote sensing of lightning and cloud properties.