scholarly journals An Ensemble Study of Wet Season Convection in Southwest Amazonia: Kinematics and Implications for Diabatic Heating

2004 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 4692-4707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Cifelli ◽  
Lawrence Carey ◽  
Walter A. Petersen ◽  
Steven A. Rutledge
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Diabatic Heating ◽  
Doppler Radar ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Thermal Buoyancy ◽  
Kinematic Characteristics

Abstract Dual-Doppler radar data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Large Scale Biosphere–Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (TRMM-LBA) field campaign are used to determine characteristic kinematic and reflectivity vertical structures associated with precipitation features observed during the wet season in the southwest region of Amazonia. Case studies of precipitating systems during TRMM-LBA as well as overarching satellite studies have shown large differences in convective intensity associated with changes that develop in low-level easterly flow [east regime (ER)] and westerly flow [west regime (WR)]. This study attempts to examine the vertical kinematic and heating structure of convection across the spectrum of precipitation features that occurred in each regime. Results show that convection in the ER is characterized by more intense updrafts and larger radar reflectivities above the melting level, in agreement with results from lightning detection networks. These regime differences are consistent with contrasts in composite thermal buoyancy between the regimes: above the boundary layer, the environment in the ER is characterized by a greater virtual temperature excess for near-surface rising parcels. Both regimes showed a peak in intensity during the late afternoon hours, as evidenced by radar reflectivity and kinematic characteristics, consistent with previous studies of rainfall and lightning in the Rondônia (TRMM-LBA) region. After sunset, however, convective intensity in the WR decreases much more abruptly compared to the ER. In the stratiform–weak convective region, the ER showed both reflectivity and kinematic characteristics of classic stratiform structure after sunset through the early morning hours, consistent with the life cycle of mesoscale conjective systems (MCSs). Apparent heating (Q1) profiles were constructed for each regime assuming the vertical advection of dry static energy was the dominant forcing term. The resulting profiles show a peak centered near 8 km in the convective regions of both regimes, although the ER has a broader maximum compared to the WR. The breadth of the ER diabatic heating peak is consistent with the more dominant role of ice processes in ER convection.

scholarly journals Large-scale vertical velocity, diabatic heating and drying profiles associated with seasonal and diurnal variations of convective systems observed in the GoAmazon2014/5 experiment

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (22) ◽  
pp. 14249-14264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuaiqi Tang ◽  
Shaocheng Xie ◽  
Yunyan Zhang ◽  
Minghua Zhang ◽  
Courtney Schumacher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Velocity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Diurnal Variations ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Heating Source ◽  
Seasonal And Diurnal Variations ◽  
Eddy Fluxes

Abstract. This study describes the characteristics of large-scale vertical velocity, apparent heating source (Q1) and apparent moisture sink (Q2) profiles associated with seasonal and diurnal variations of convective systems observed during the two intensive operational periods (IOPs) that were conducted from 15 February to 26 March 2014 (wet season) and from 1 September to 10 October 2014 (dry season) near Manaus, Brazil, during the Green Ocean Amazon (GoAmazon2014/5) experiment. The derived large-scale fields have large diurnal variations according to convective activity in the GoAmazon region and the morning profiles show distinct differences between the dry and wet seasons. In the wet season, propagating convective systems originating far from the GoAmazon region are often seen in the early morning, while in the dry season they are rarely observed. Afternoon convective systems due to solar heating are frequently seen in both seasons. Accordingly, in the morning, there is strong upward motion and associated heating and drying throughout the entire troposphere in the wet season, which is limited to lower levels in the dry season. In the afternoon, both seasons exhibit weak heating and strong moistening in the boundary layer related to the vertical convergence of eddy fluxes. A set of case studies of three typical types of convective systems occurring in Amazonia – i.e., locally occurring systems, coastal-occurring systems and basin-occurring systems – is also conducted to investigate the variability of the large-scale environment with different types of convective systems.

scholarly journals EnKF Assimilation of High-Resolution, Mobile Doppler Radar Data of the 4 May 2007 Greensburg, Kansas, Supercell into a Numerical Cloud Model

2013 ◽  
Vol 141 (2) ◽  
pp. 625-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin L. Tanamachi ◽  
Louis J. Wicker ◽  
David C. Dowell ◽  
Howard B. Bluestein ◽  
Daniel T. Dawson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Profile ◽  
Doppler Radar ◽  
Cloud Model ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Doppler Radar Data

Abstract Mobile Doppler radar data, along with observations from a nearby Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D), are assimilated with an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) technique into a nonhydrostatic, compressible numerical weather prediction model to analyze the evolution of the 4 May 2007 Greensburg, Kansas, tornadic supercell. The storm is simulated via assimilation of reflectivity and velocity data in an initially horizontally homogeneous environment whose parameters are believed to be a close approximation to those of the Greensburg supercell inflow sector. Experiments are conducted to test analysis sensitivity to mobile radar data availability and to the mean environmental near-surface wind profile, which was changing rapidly during the simulation period. In all experiments, a supercell with similar location and evolution to the observed storm is analyzed, but the simulated storm’s characteristics differ markedly. The assimilation of mobile Doppler radar data has a much greater impact on the resulting analyses, particularly at low altitudes (≤2 km), than modifications to the near-surface environmental wind profile. Differences in the analyzed updrafts, vortices, cold pool structure, rear-flank gust front structure, and observation-space diagnostics are documented. An analyzed vortex corresponding to the enhanced Fujita scale 5 (EF-5) Greensburg tornado is stronger and deeper in experiments in which mobile (higher resolution) Doppler radar data are included in the assimilation. This difference is linked to stronger analyzed horizontal convergence, which in turn is associated with increased stretching of vertical vorticity. Changing the near-surface wind profile appears to impact primarily the updraft strength, availability of streamwise vorticity for tilting into the vertical, and low-level vortex strength and longevity.

scholarly journals Large-Scale Vertical Velocity, Diabatic Heating and Drying Profiles Associated with Seasonal and Diurnal Variations of Convective Systems Observed in the GoAmazon2014/5 Experiment

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuaiqi Tang ◽  
Shaocheng Xie ◽  
Yunyan Zhang ◽  
Minghua Zhang ◽  
Courtney Schumacher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Velocity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Diurnal Variations ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Heating Source ◽  
Seasonal And Diurnal Variations ◽  
Eddy Fluxes

Abstract. This study describes the characteristics of large-scale vertical velocity, apparent heating source (Q1) and apparent moisture sink (Q2) profiles associated with seasonal and diurnal variations of convective systems observed during the two intensive operational periods (IOPs) of the Green Ocean Amazon (GoAmazon2014/5) experiment, which was conducted near Manaus, Brazil in 2014 and 2015. The derived large-scale fields have large diurnal variations according to convective activity in the GoAmazon region and the morning profiles show distinct differences between the dry and wet seasons. In the wet season, propagating convective systems originating far from the GoAmazon region are often seen in the early morning, while in the dry season, they are rarely observed. Afternoon convective systems due to solar heating are frequently seen in both seasons. Accordingly, in the morning, there is strong upward motion and associated heating and drying throughout the entire troposphere in the wet season, which is limited to lower levels in the dry season. In the afternoon, both seasons exhibit weak heating and strong moistening in the boundary layer related to the vertical convergence of eddy fluxes. A set of case studies of three typical types of convective systems occurring in Amazonia – i.e., locally-occurring systems, coastal-occurring systems and basin-occurring systems – is also conducted to investigate the variability of the large-scale environment with different types of convective systems.

An Axisymmetric View of Concentric Eyewall Evolution in Hurricane Rita (2005)

2012 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 2414-2432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael M. Bell ◽  
Michael T. Montgomery ◽  
Wen-Chau Lee
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Diabatic Heating ◽  
Doppler Radar ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Intensity Change ◽  
Latent Heating ◽  
Areal Extent ◽  
Hurricane Rita ◽  
Observation Period ◽  
Vorticity Structure

Abstract Multiplatform observations of Hurricane Rita (2005) were collected as part of the Hurricane Rainband and Intensity Change Experiment (RAINEX) field campaign during a concentric eyewall stage of the storm’s life cycle that occurred during 21–22 September. Satellite, aircraft, dropwindsonde, and Doppler radar data are used here to examine the symmetric evolution of the hurricane as it underwent eyewall replacement. During the approximately 1-day observation period, developing convection associated with the secondary eyewall became more symmetric and contracted inward. Latent heating in the emergent secondary eyewall led to the development of a distinct toroidal (overturning) circulation with inertially constrained radial inflow above the boundary layer and compensating subsidence in the moat region, properties that are consistent broadly with the balanced vortex response to an imposed ring of diabatic heating outside the primary eyewall. The primary eyewall’s convection became more asymmetric during the observation period, but the primary eyewall was still the dominant swirling wind and vorticity structure throughout the period. The observed structure and evolution of Rita’s secondary eyewall suggest that spinup of the tangential winds occurred both within and above the boundary layer, and that both balanced and unbalanced dynamical processes played an important role. Although Rita’s core intensity decreased during the observation period, the observations indicate a 125% increase in areal extent of hurricane-force winds and a 19% increase in integrated kinetic energy resulting from the eyewall replacement.

scholarly journals Radar-Derived Statistics of Convective Storms in Southeast Queensland

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (10) ◽  
pp. 1985-2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin R. Peter ◽  
Michael J. Manton ◽  
Rodney J. Potts ◽  
Peter T. May ◽  
Scott M. Collis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Rain Rate ◽  
Probability Distributions ◽  
Surface Characteristics ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Trade Wind ◽  
Wind Regime ◽  
Stable Regime ◽  
Convective Storms

AbstractThe aim of this study is to examine the statistics of convective storms and their concomitant changes with thermodynamic variability. The thermodynamic variability is analyzed by performing a cluster analysis on variables derived from radiosonde releases at Brisbane Airport in Australia. Three objectively defined regimes are found: a dry, stable regime with mainly westerly surface winds, a moist northerly regime, and a moist trade wind regime. S-band radar data are analyzed and storms are identified using objective tracking software [Thunderstorm Identification, Tracking, Analysis, and Nowcasting (TITAN)]. Storm statistics are then investigated, stratified by the regime subperiods. Convective storms are found to form and maintain along elevated topography. Probability distributions of convective storm size and rain rate are found to follow lognormal distributions with differing mean and variance among the regimes. There was some evidence of trimodal storm-top heights, located at the trade inversion (1.5–2 km), freezing level (3.6–4 km), and near 6 km, but it was dependent on the presence of the trade inversion. On average, storm volume and height are smallest in the trade regime and rain rate is largest in the westerly regime. However, westerly regime storms occur less frequently and have shorter lifetimes, which were attributed to the enhanced stability and decreased humidity profiles. Furthermore, time series of diurnal rain rate exhibited early morning and midafternoon maxima for the northerly and trade regimes but were absent for the westerly regime. The observations indicate that westerly regime storms are primarily driven by large-scale forcing, whereas northerly and trade wind regime storms are more responsive to surface characteristics.

scholarly journals Signatures of Hydrometeor Species from Airborne Passive Microwave Data for Frequencies 10–183 GHz

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 1313-1334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth D. Leppert ◽  
Daniel J. Cecil
Keyword(s):  
Doppler Radar ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Passive Microwave ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Surface Precipitation ◽  
Brightness Temperatures ◽  
Severe Thunderstorms ◽  
Wave Imaging ◽  
Air Force Base ◽  
Strong Scattering

AbstractPassive microwave brightness temperatures (BTs) collected above severe thunderstorms using the Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer and Conical Scanning Millimeter-Wave Imaging Radiometer during the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment are compared with a hydrometeor identification applied to dual-polarimetric Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler radar data collected at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma (KVNX). The goal of this work is to determine the signatures of various hydrometeor species in terms of BTs measured at frequencies used by the Global Precipitation Measurement mission Microwave Imager. Results indicate that hail is associated with an ice-scattering signature at all frequencies examined, including 10.7 GHz. However, it appears that frequencies ≤ 37.1 GHz are most useful for identifying hail. Low-level (below 2.5 km) hail becomes probable for a BT below 240 K at 19.4 GHz, 170 K at 37.1 GHz, 90 K at 85.5 GHz, 80 K at 89.0 GHz, 100 K at 165.5 GHz, and 100 K at 183.3 ± 7 GHz. Graupel may be distinguished from hail and profiles without any hydrometeor species by its strong scattering signature at higher frequencies (e.g., 165.5 GHz) and its relative lack of scattering at frequencies ≤ 19.4 GHz. There is a clearer distinction between profiles that contain liquid precipitation and profiles without any hydrometeors when the liquid is associated above with hail and/or graupel (i.e., a hydrometeor category with a strong scattering signature) than when the liquid is associated with smaller ice. Near-surface precipitation is much more likely for a 19.4-GHz BT < 250 K, 37.1-GHz BT < 240 K, 89.0-GHz BT < 220 K, and 165.5-GHz BT < 140 K.

Observed Near-Surface Wind Structure in the Inner Core of Typhoon Goni (2015)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wataru Mashiko ◽  
Udai Shimada
Keyword(s):  
Inner Core ◽  
Doppler Radar ◽  
Potential Temperature ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Doppler Velocity ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Pressure Drops ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
And Shifts

AbstractThe very strong Typhoon Goni passed over the Yaeyama Islands in southwestern Japan during the rapid intensification stage on August 23, 2015. Surface data collected by the dense network of weather stations as well as Doppler radar observations over the islands revealed a finescale structure in the inner core of the typhoon near the surface.Goni had a clear eye surrounded by a square-shaped eyewall with intense convection. The surface observations revealed that several vortices with a diameter of ~7–10 km accompanied by a pressure deficit were present inside the eye. From the Doppler velocity field, mesovortices approximately 10 km in diameter were found at the apexes of the square-shaped eyewall. These mesovortices and the inner rainbands emanating outward from the apexes of the polygonal eyewall generally exhibited features typical of vortex Rossby waves. The mesovortices were accompanied by a pressure deficit at the surface and enhanced surface winds. The data also indicated the first observational evidence of near-surface mixing between the eye and eyewall through the mesovortices, that is, the transport of high equivalent potential temperature in the eye toward the eyewall.The radar data revealed that many radar-reflectivity filaments that had a pleated shape with lengths of a few kilometers extended perpendicularly from the inner edge of the eyewall at low levels. The filaments associated with wind perturbations at low levels caused significant wind gusts accompanied by sudden pressure drops and shifts in wind direction at the surface.

scholarly journals Objective Classification of Precipitating Convective Regimes Using a Weather Radar in Darwin, Australia

2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (5) ◽  
pp. 1585-1600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Caine ◽  
Christian Jakob ◽  
Steven Siems ◽  
Peter May
Keyword(s):  
Diurnal Cycle ◽  
Clustering Algorithm ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Area Coverage ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Low Area ◽  
Precipitation Regimes ◽  
Strong Convection

Abstract A clustering algorithm was applied to Frequency with Altitude Diagrams (FADs) derived from 4 yr of hourly radar data to objectively define four tropical precipitation regimes that occur during the wet season over Darwin Australia. The precipitation regimes defined are distinguished in terms of convective intensity, presence of stratiform precipitation, and precipitation coverage. Regime 1 consists of patchy convection of medium intensity and low area coverage, and regime 2 contains strong convection with relatively small area coverage. Regime 3 is composed of weak convection with large area coverage and large stratiform regions, and regime 4 contains strong convection with large area coverage and large stratiform regions. Analysis of the seasonal cycle, diurnal cycle, and regime occurrence as a function of monsoon activity all provide insight into the different physical character of the precipitation regimes. Two of the regimes exhibit a diurnal cycle with a peak in the afternoon, while the other two show a peak in their frequency of occurrence in the early morning. The different character of the regimes is also confirmed by the varying contributions that convective and stratiform rainfall make to the overall within-regime precipitation.

The Multiple-Vortex Structure of the El Reno, Oklahoma, Tornado on 31 May 2013

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (8) ◽  
pp. 2483-2502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Howard B. Bluestein ◽  
Kyle J. Thiem ◽  
Jeffrey C. Snyder ◽  
Jana B. Houser
Keyword(s):  
Doppler Radar ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Rapid Scan ◽  
X Band ◽  
Close Range ◽  
Formation And Evolution ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Secondary Vortices ◽  
The Right ◽  
Gust Front

Abstract This study documents the formation and evolution of secondary vortices associated within a large, violent tornado in Oklahoma based on data from a close-range, mobile, polarimetric, rapid-scan, X-band Doppler radar. Secondary vortices were tracked relative to the parent circulation using data collected every 2 s. It was found that most long-lived vortices (those that could be tracked for ≥15 s) formed within the radius of maximum wind (RMW), mainly in the left-rear quadrant (with respect to parent tornado motion), passing around the center of the parent tornado and dissipating closer to the center in the right-forward and left-forward quadrants. Some secondary vortices persisted for at least 1 min. When a Burgers–Rott vortex is fit to the Doppler radar data, and the vortex is assumed to be axisymmetric, the secondary vortices propagated slowly against the mean azimuthal flow; if the vortex is not assumed to be axisymmetric as a result of a strong rear-flank gust front on one side of it, then the secondary vortices moved along approximately with the wind.

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