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Article Type:
Research Article

Understanding the Relationships between Lightning, Cloud Microphysics, and Airborne Radar-Derived Storm Structure during Hurricane Karl (2010)

Brad Reinhart * The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida

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Henry Fuelberg * The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida

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Richard Blakeslee NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama

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Douglas Mach Earth System Science Center, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama

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Andrew Heymsfield National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

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Aaron Bansemer National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

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Stephen L. Durden Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California

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Simone Tanelli Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California

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Gerald Heymsfield ** NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

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Bjorn Lambrigtsen Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California

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Print Publication:
01 Feb 2014
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR-D-13-00008.1
Page(s):
590–605
Restricted access

Abstract

This study explores relationships between lightning, cloud microphysics, and tropical cyclone (TC) storm structure in Hurricane Karl (16 September 2010) using data collected by the NASA DC-8 and Global Hawk (GH) aircraft during NASA’s Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) experiment. The research capitalizes on the unique opportunity provided by GRIP to synthesize multiple datasets from two aircraft and analyze the microphysical and kinematic properties of an electrified TC. Five coordinated flight legs through Karl by the DC-8 and GH are investigated, focusing on the inner-core region (within 50 km of the storm center) where the lightning was concentrated and the aircraft were well coordinated. GRIP datasets are used to compare properties of electrified and nonelectrified inner-core regions that are related to the noninductive charging mechanism, which is widely accepted to explain the observed electric fields within thunderstorms. Three common characteristics of Karl’s electrified regions are identified: 1) strong updrafts of 10–20 m s−1, 2) deep mixed-phase layers indicated by reflectivities >30 dBZ extending several kilometers above the freezing level, and 3) microphysical environments consisting of graupel, very small ice particles, and the inferred presence of supercooled water. These characteristics describe an environment favorable for in situ noninductive charging and, hence, TC electrification. The electrified regions in Karl’s inner core are attributable to a microphysical environment that was conducive to electrification because of occasional, strong convective updrafts in the eyewall.

Corresponding author address: Henry Fuelberg, Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, The Florida State University, 1017 Academic Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4520. E-mail: hfuelberg@fsu.edu

Abstract

This study explores relationships between lightning, cloud microphysics, and tropical cyclone (TC) storm structure in Hurricane Karl (16 September 2010) using data collected by the NASA DC-8 and Global Hawk (GH) aircraft during NASA’s Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) experiment. The research capitalizes on the unique opportunity provided by GRIP to synthesize multiple datasets from two aircraft and analyze the microphysical and kinematic properties of an electrified TC. Five coordinated flight legs through Karl by the DC-8 and GH are investigated, focusing on the inner-core region (within 50 km of the storm center) where the lightning was concentrated and the aircraft were well coordinated. GRIP datasets are used to compare properties of electrified and nonelectrified inner-core regions that are related to the noninductive charging mechanism, which is widely accepted to explain the observed electric fields within thunderstorms. Three common characteristics of Karl’s electrified regions are identified: 1) strong updrafts of 10–20 m s−1, 2) deep mixed-phase layers indicated by reflectivities >30 dBZ extending several kilometers above the freezing level, and 3) microphysical environments consisting of graupel, very small ice particles, and the inferred presence of supercooled water. These characteristics describe an environment favorable for in situ noninductive charging and, hence, TC electrification. The electrified regions in Karl’s inner core are attributable to a microphysical environment that was conducive to electrification because of occasional, strong convective updrafts in the eyewall.

Corresponding author address: Henry Fuelberg, Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, The Florida State University, 1017 Academic Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4520. E-mail: hfuelberg@fsu.edu
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