Macrophysical and Microphysical Characteristics of Convective Rain Cells Observed During SOS-CHUVA

Author(s)

Cecchini, Micael Amore ^[1] ; Silva Dias, Maria A. F. ^[1] ; Machado, Luiz A. T. ^{[2, 3]} ; Morales Rodriguez, Carlos A. ^[1] ; Biscaro, Thiago ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Astron Geofis & Ciencias Atmosfer IAG, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Max Planck Inst Chem, Multiphase Chem Dept, Mainz - Germany

^[3] Inst Nacl Pesquisas Espaciais INPE, Ctr Previsao Tempo & Estudos Climat CPTEC, Cachoeira Paulista - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-ATMOSPHERES; v. 125, n. 13 JUL 16 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

In this study, we present a methodology to study the properties of convective precipitation in a holistic way. We apply a tracking algorithm to X-band radar retrievals to store Lagrangian properties of convective rain cells. The height of maximum reflectivity (H-Zmax) is combined with the vertically integrated water (VIW) to provide a useful parameter space to constrain the microphysical study of the cells. This parameter determines most of the shape of the vertical structure of rain cells, where VIW acts as a modulating factor. Decreases inH(Zmax)are likely associated to enhanced collection processes, which favor growth of reflectivity (Z), differential reflectivity (Z(dr)), differential attenuation (K-dp), and droplet mean volume diameter (D-0). This growth is further favored under higher VIW conditions. By discriminating the microphysical analysis byH(Zmax)and VIW, droplet growth can be analyzed in different types of rain cells and stages of life cycle. Overall, the results presented here can help understand the constraints of the vertical structure of rain cells and microphysical properties from the combination ofH(Zmax)and VIW. Contrary to the microphysical retrievals themselves, computations ofH(Zmax)and VIW do not depend on dual polarization. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/04654-6 - Studying macro and microphysical phase spaces in thunderstorm clouds: insights for nowcasting techniques
• Grantee: Micael Amore Cecchini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/17047-0 - Aerosol and clouds life cycles in Amazonia: biogenic emissions, biomass burning and impacts on ecosystem
• Grantee: Paulo Eduardo Artaxo Netto
• Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/14497-0 - Nowcasting of intense thunderstorms and understanding of the physical processes inside clouds: the SOS-CHUVA (Severe Weather Observation System)
• Grantee: Luiz Augusto Toledo Machado
• Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants