Radar analysis of a developing mesoscale convective system
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Abstract
This thesis presents a study of the evolution of a mesoscale convective system which passed through the PRESTORM mesonetwork on 3-4 June 1985. Reflectivity and wind data from the NCAR CP-3 and CP-4 Doppler radars as well as data from the Wichita, Kansas WSR-57 NWS radar data are used to examine the structure of the system as it developed and moved through the network. The precipitation pattern of the system was extremely complex and, in addition to the main convective line and northeast band, exhibited several eastwest oriented lines of convection ahead of system. Using dual-Doppler data from three different volume scans, the structure of these east-west lines is examined, as well as their important contribution to the large-scale structure of the system. Additionally, the validity of two different conceptual models developed to describe this system are discussed.