Article Type:
Research Article

Assimilation of Dual-Polarization Radar Observations in Mixed- and Ice-Phase Regions of Convective Storms: Information Content and Forward Model Errors

Derek J. Posselt University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Xuanli Li University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama

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Samantha A. Tushaus University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, Madison, Wisconsin

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John R. Mecikalski University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama

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Print Publication:
01 Jul 2015
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR-D-14-00347.1
Page(s):
2611–2636
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Abstract

Dual-polarization Doppler radar has proven useful for the estimation of hydrometeor content and the classification of hydrometeor type. Recent studies have leveraged dual-polarization-specific information to produce improved assimilated cloud and precipitation fields from the warm rain (above freezing) portion of deep convective storms. While the strengths of dual-polarization radar observations have been conclusively shown for rain and hail hydrometeors, it is less clear how much information is provided in mixed-phase and ice-only regions.

In this paper, a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is used to examine the information content of dual-polarization-specific variables in the ice-phase region of a convective storm. Results are used to quantify how much information is added by specific differential phase and radar correlation coefficient, as well as how this information is degraded when the assumed particle size distribution and particle density are allowed to vary. It is found that dual-polarization-specific observations (Kdp and ρhv) provide significant information on rimed ice content, and moderate information on pristine ice, especially where snow mass is more than 10% of the total volume hydrometeor mass. There is a significant reduction in information content for rain and a near-complete loss of information for graupel–hail and snow when the particle size distribution and ice particle densities are not well known, and there are systematic changes in radar information gain and loss with changes in hydrometeor mass. The results highlight the need for a thorough exploration of forward model sensitivities prior to performing radar data assimilation.

Corresponding author address: Derek J. Posselt, Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences, University of Michigan, 2455 Hayward St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2143. E-mail: dposselt@umich.edu

Abstract

Dual-polarization Doppler radar has proven useful for the estimation of hydrometeor content and the classification of hydrometeor type. Recent studies have leveraged dual-polarization-specific information to produce improved assimilated cloud and precipitation fields from the warm rain (above freezing) portion of deep convective storms. While the strengths of dual-polarization radar observations have been conclusively shown for rain and hail hydrometeors, it is less clear how much information is provided in mixed-phase and ice-only regions.

In this paper, a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is used to examine the information content of dual-polarization-specific variables in the ice-phase region of a convective storm. Results are used to quantify how much information is added by specific differential phase and radar correlation coefficient, as well as how this information is degraded when the assumed particle size distribution and particle density are allowed to vary. It is found that dual-polarization-specific observations (Kdp and ρhv) provide significant information on rimed ice content, and moderate information on pristine ice, especially where snow mass is more than 10% of the total volume hydrometeor mass. There is a significant reduction in information content for rain and a near-complete loss of information for graupel–hail and snow when the particle size distribution and ice particle densities are not well known, and there are systematic changes in radar information gain and loss with changes in hydrometeor mass. The results highlight the need for a thorough exploration of forward model sensitivities prior to performing radar data assimilation.

Corresponding author address: Derek J. Posselt, Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences, University of Michigan, 2455 Hayward St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2143. E-mail: dposselt@umich.edu
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