Validation of multiple-Doppler analysis of convective clouds using the ARM precipitation radar network during MC3E
Authors
Kirk North — McGill University
Scott Matthew Collis — Argonne National Laboratory
Scott Giangrande — Brookhaven National Laboratory
Pavlos Kollias — Stony Brook University
Category
Dynamics/Vertical Motion
Description
Convective processes play an important role in Earth's energy balance through the redistribution of heat and moisture in the atmosphere. In particular, vertical motions associated with these processes are inherently linked to the life cycle of cloud systems and are therefore directly tied to the energetic impacts of these systems. Despite their importance, the spatial and temporal scales of these vertical motions are poorly understood, adding significant uncertainty to convective parameterization. A radar data assimilation tool based on a 3-dimensional variational technique has been developed to enhance our understanding of these vertical motions within convective clouds. However, in order to trust the output of this tool, its sensitivities and accuracies need to be characterized. Scanning precipitation radars located at the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) site are used in the assimilation process to retrieve vertical motions for selected convective cases during the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E). Using a statistical approach, the veracity of the retrievals is evaluated by comparing them with observations from the radar wind profiler network located at SGP.
