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ARMOR Dual-Polarimetric Radar Observations of Tornadic Debris SignaturesDuring the Super-Tuesday tornado outbreak of 5-6 February 2008, two EF-4 tornadoes occurred in Northern Alabama within 75 km range of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research (ARMOR, C-band dual-polarimetric). This study will present an analysis of ARMOR radar-indicated dual-polarimetric tornadic debris signatures. The debris signatures were associated with spatially-confined large decreases in the copolar correlation coefficient (rho(hv)hv) that were embedded within broader mesocyclone "hook" signatures. These debris signatures were most obviously manifest during the F-3 to F-4 intensity stages of the tornado(s) and extended to altitudes of approximately 3 km. The rho(hv) signatures of the tornadic debris were the most easily distinguished relative to other polarimetric and radial velocity parameters (e.g., associated with large hail and/or the incipient mesocyclone). Based on our analysis, and consistent with the small number of studies found in the literature, we conclude that dual-polarimetric radar data offer at least the possibility for enhancing specificity and confidence in the process of issuing tornado warnings based only on radar detection of threatening circulation features.
Document ID
20090014077
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Petersen, W. A,
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Carey, L. D.
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Knupp, K. R.
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Schultz, C.
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Johnson, E.
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
October 27, 2008
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Report/Patent Number
MSFC-2133
Meeting Information
Meeting: The AMS 24th Conference on Severe Local Storms
Location: Savannah, GA
Country: United States
Start Date: October 27, 2008
End Date: October 31, 2008
Sponsors: American Meteorological Society
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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