The launch of the TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission) satellite in November 1997 has yielded a continually growing observational database of tropical precipitation processes. The satellite platform is unique in that it allows its many instruments to observe the same storms over the tropics. We can directly compare compare data from the Precipitation Radar (PR), TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI), and the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) to infer information about the dynamical and microphysical processes of tropical precipitation.
This study will compare the observational data from three mesoscale convective systems observed by TRMM. Specifically, this study will compare the 85 GHz polarization corrected temperature (PCT), which is depressed in areas where large ice particles scatter microwaves at that frequency, and 3-D PR reflectivity fields and lightning flash rates from each of the cases. Data from a tropical ITCZ oceanic MCS, a tropical continental MCS, and from a mid-latitude squall-type MCS will be presented. Comparisons will be made among the storms pertaining to stratiform/convective structures, and relationships between ice scattering, reflectivity maxima, and lightning activity. With this information, we can infer differences in hydrometeor structure, and lightning activity which will serve as groundwork for using the TRMM observations to improve understanding of difference in the nature of MCSs over land and ocean