Dual-polarization radar observations offer a unique view of the inner-workings of severe convective storms. Over the past decade, the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) and the University of Oklahoma (OU) have collected numerous datasets of such storms in central Oklahoma with polarimetric radars operating at S, C, and X bands. In particular, analysis of supercells has revealed repetitive signatures tied to the kinematics and microphysics of such storms. This presentation will review the results of our previous research efforts in identifying these signatures and elucidating what they tell us about the storm’s behavior and evolution. In addition, our ongoing work will be discussed, including analysis of a “rapid-scan” polarimetric dataset of a cyclic supercell, detection of giant hail aloft and discrimination of hail size, and the evolution of ZDR columns as a short-term predictor of changes in storm intensity.
Visit Coordinator: Larry Carey (UAH)