Doppler Radar Investigation of Tornadic and Lightning Producing Storms in Northeast Colorado.
Abstract
Kinematic, microphysical, and electrical characteristics of two multicell thunderstorms observed in northeast Colorado were investigated using single and dual Doppler radar and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning data. These particular thunderstorms were chosen because of their generation of weak short-lived tornadoes and CG lightning dominated by positive flashes. Storm data was collected using the multiparameter, CSU-CHILL, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Mile High Doppler radars. Various radar analysis methods were employed in an effort to infer origins of rotation, tornado formation mechanisms, and the storm structure responsible for the observed lightning patterns. Single Doppler techniques included multiparameter measurements, calculations of azimuthal shear, histogram analyses, a study of constant altitude and vertical cross-section data, and an examination of the unedited reflectivity and radial velocity fields. Dual-Doppler data was used to synthesize the three dimensional wind field.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA319878
Entities
People
- Richard M. Lucci
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology