A Case Study on Two Differential Reflectivity Columns in a Convective Cell: Phased-Array Radar Observation and Cloud Model Simulation

A convective cell storm containing two differential reflectivity (Z<sub>DR</sub>) columns was observed with a dual-polarization phased-array radar (X-PAR) in Xixian County. Since a Z<sub>DR</sub> column is believed to correspond to a strong updraft and a single convective cel...

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Main Authors: Gang Ren, Yue Sun, Hongping Sun, Yaning Dong, Yonglong Yang, Hui Xiao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-01-01
Series:Remote Sensing
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/16/3/460
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author Gang Ren
Yue Sun
Hongping Sun
Yaning Dong
Yonglong Yang
Hui Xiao
author_facet Gang Ren
Yue Sun
Hongping Sun
Yaning Dong
Yonglong Yang
Hui Xiao
author_sort Gang Ren
collection DOAJ
description A convective cell storm containing two differential reflectivity (Z<sub>DR</sub>) columns was observed with a dual-polarization phased-array radar (X-PAR) in Xixian County. Since a Z<sub>DR</sub> column is believed to correspond to a strong updraft and a single convective cell is considered to have a simple dynamic structure with one updraft core, how these two Z<sub>DR</sub> columns form and coexist is the focus of this study. The dynamic and microphysical structures around the two Z<sub>DR</sub> columns are studied under the mutual confirmation of the X-PAR observations and a cloud model simulation. The main Z<sub>DR</sub> column forms and maintains in an updraft whose bottom corresponds to a convergence of low-level and mid-level flow; it lasts from the early stages to the later stages. The secondary Z<sub>DR</sub> column emerges at the rear of the horizontal reflectivity (Z<sub>H</sub>) core relative to the moving direction of the cell; it forms in the middle stages and lasts for a shorter period, and its formation is under an air lifting forced by the divergent outflow of precipitation. Therefore, the secondary Z<sub>DR</sub> column is only a by-product in the middle stages of the convection rather than an indicator of a new or enhanced convection.
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spelling doaj.art-66900741fca4461fbc6660649c709d192024-02-09T15:21:10ZengMDPI AGRemote Sensing2072-42922024-01-0116346010.3390/rs16030460A Case Study on Two Differential Reflectivity Columns in a Convective Cell: Phased-Array Radar Observation and Cloud Model SimulationGang Ren0Yue Sun1Hongping Sun2Yaning Dong3Yonglong Yang4Hui Xiao5Shanxi Weather Modification Center, Taiyuan 030032, ChinaKey Laboratory of Cloud-Precipitation Physics and Severe Storms (LACS), Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, ChinaShanxi Weather Modification Center, Taiyuan 030032, ChinaShanxi Weather Modification Center, Taiyuan 030032, ChinaShanxi Weather Modification Center, Taiyuan 030032, ChinaKey Laboratory of Cloud-Precipitation Physics and Severe Storms (LACS), Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, ChinaA convective cell storm containing two differential reflectivity (Z<sub>DR</sub>) columns was observed with a dual-polarization phased-array radar (X-PAR) in Xixian County. Since a Z<sub>DR</sub> column is believed to correspond to a strong updraft and a single convective cell is considered to have a simple dynamic structure with one updraft core, how these two Z<sub>DR</sub> columns form and coexist is the focus of this study. The dynamic and microphysical structures around the two Z<sub>DR</sub> columns are studied under the mutual confirmation of the X-PAR observations and a cloud model simulation. The main Z<sub>DR</sub> column forms and maintains in an updraft whose bottom corresponds to a convergence of low-level and mid-level flow; it lasts from the early stages to the later stages. The secondary Z<sub>DR</sub> column emerges at the rear of the horizontal reflectivity (Z<sub>H</sub>) core relative to the moving direction of the cell; it forms in the middle stages and lasts for a shorter period, and its formation is under an air lifting forced by the divergent outflow of precipitation. Therefore, the secondary Z<sub>DR</sub> column is only a by-product in the middle stages of the convection rather than an indicator of a new or enhanced convection.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/16/3/460differential reflectivity columndual polarization phased-array radarconvective cell
spellingShingle Gang Ren
Yue Sun
Hongping Sun
Yaning Dong
Yonglong Yang
Hui Xiao
A Case Study on Two Differential Reflectivity Columns in a Convective Cell: Phased-Array Radar Observation and Cloud Model Simulation
Remote Sensing
differential reflectivity column
dual polarization phased-array radar
convective cell
title A Case Study on Two Differential Reflectivity Columns in a Convective Cell: Phased-Array Radar Observation and Cloud Model Simulation
title_full A Case Study on Two Differential Reflectivity Columns in a Convective Cell: Phased-Array Radar Observation and Cloud Model Simulation
title_fullStr A Case Study on Two Differential Reflectivity Columns in a Convective Cell: Phased-Array Radar Observation and Cloud Model Simulation
title_full_unstemmed A Case Study on Two Differential Reflectivity Columns in a Convective Cell: Phased-Array Radar Observation and Cloud Model Simulation
title_short A Case Study on Two Differential Reflectivity Columns in a Convective Cell: Phased-Array Radar Observation and Cloud Model Simulation
title_sort case study on two differential reflectivity columns in a convective cell phased array radar observation and cloud model simulation
topic differential reflectivity column
dual polarization phased-array radar
convective cell
url https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/16/3/460
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