16B.3 High-resolution reflectivity and vertical velocity profiles in various convectively-generated precipitation systems (2000

24th Conference on Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology

16B.3

High-resolution reflectivity and vertical velocity profiles in various convectively-generated precipitation systems

Bart Geerts, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY; and G. M. Heymsfield

Radar reflectivity profiles in a spectrum of tropical precipitation systems are analyzed. These profiles were obtained by the ER-2 Doppler radar (EDOP) in a several field experiments, TEFLUN (Texas and Central Florida), CAMEX-3 (Atlantic Hurricanes), and TRMM-LBA (Brazil). Rain is classified as stratiform or convective according to a profile-based scheme similar to that employed for TRMM PR data. Further characterizations distinguish weak vs vigorous convection, small vs large thunderstorms, stratiform and convective rain in hurricanes, warm rain, and rain not reaching the ground (with or without bright band). Several variables are examined for all rain types:

EDOP nadir antenna:

composite CFADs of reflectivity
the bright-band vertical structure for stratiform systems
storm top (at 0 dB and at 18 dB, the latter corresponds with TRMM storm top)
measured radial velocity profile (CFAD)
estimated air motion profile (CFAD)
near-ground reflectivity (and derived rainrate)
relation between rainrate and storm top height
system length or width

other instruments on the ER-2:

AMPR brightness temperature at 10, 37, and 85 GHz (mean and standard deviation), and GPROF-derived rainrate
Lightning frequency (LIP)
MAS IR temperature (and sounding-derived height)

Session 16B, Convective Processes II (Parallel with Sessions 16A and 16C)
Saturday, 27 May 2000, 8:15 AM-9:59 AM

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