A high-resolution radar analysis of a tropical cloud cluster
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Abstract
In this study, a high-resolution radar analysis of a tropical cloud cluster was conducted. A number of computer programs were designed which organized the radar data into various analysis formats, such as PPIs, RHIs and EPRHIs (End Point Range Height Indicator). Each of the analysis methods was found to be useful for a specific task. For example, the high-resolution composite PPI was useful for tracking precipitation features of the cloud cluster. In general, the horizontal resolution of the high-resolution analysis schemes was 1 km. This was found to be sufficient to define the structure of small convective cells, and to detect convective cells as small as 1 km in horizontal extent.
Scale interactions between convection and the anvil of the tropical cloud cluster were observed through the high-resolution analysis. Anvil development during the cluster's intensifying stage was observed to be dependent upon blowoff from convective towers. This was a favorable interaction for the anvil. However, convection did not always interact advantageously with the anvil. A line of convection that moved under the anvil associated with another line of convection was seen to cause partial destruction to the anvil. Later, during the cloud cluster's mature and dissipating stages, small scale convection developed inside the anvil. This convection was not destructive to the anvil.