Locating convection in landfalling tropical cyclones : a GIS-based analysis of radar reflectivities and comparison to lightning-based observations

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

MATYAS, C.J.

Dep. of Geography, Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, Etats-Unis

Description :
Researchers have utilized radar reflectivity returns and lightning flashes separately and together to locate convection with tropical cyclones (TCs). This study employs a GIS to delineate regions of high radar reflectivity values within 45 landfalling TCs. The percentage of convective regions contained within each quadrant placed relative to storm motion and deep-layer vertical wind shear is calculated. These percentages are then compared to those from previous studies of quadrant-based lightning flash locations. Results indicate that the GIS-based radar analysis may be identifying TC regions that are electrically active. Both the radar- and lightning-based analyses show that convection shifts from the right to the front of the storm as forward velocity increases.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Physical geography, issn : 0272-3646, 2010, vol. 31, n°. 5, p. 385-406, nombre de pages : 22, Références bibliographiques : 5 p.

Date :
2010

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Abingdon, Taylor and Francis

Langue :
Anglais