Using WSR-88D Observations to Detect Convective Boundary Layer Depth

Our earlier research as reported in Banghoff et al. (2018) clearly showed that the dual-polarization WSR-88D radars can detect the top of the convective boundary layer late in the day from observations of differential reflectivity (Z_DR). We have continued to exploit the Z_DR observations to study CBL depth and its variation throughout the daytime hours. To better understand the structures seen in the quasi-vertical profiles (QVPs) of Z_DR small Windsonds have been released multiple times per day in central Pennsylvania and the vertical sounding profiles compared with the Z_DR QVPs from the nearby State College WSR-88D. We also have explored the Z_DR QVPs from WSR-88Ds across the United States. Results will be presented on the ability of the WSR-88D radars to detect CBL depth at different times during the daytime portion of the diurnal cycle, the potential for the WSR-88D to provide information on the depth of the entrainment zone at the top of the CBL, and the success of this method in various geographic locations across the nation.

Banghoff, J.R., D.J. Stensrud, and M.R. Kumjian, 2018: Convective Boundary Layer Depth Estimation from S-Band Dual-Polarization Radar. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 35, 1723–1733, https://doi.org/10.1175/JTECH-D-17-0210.1