Polarimetric Signatures in Supercell Thunderstorms

Data from polarimetric radars offer remarkable insight into the microphysics of convective storms. Numerous tornadic and nontornadic supercell thunderstorms have been observed by the research polarimetric Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) in Norman, Oklahoma (KOUN); additional storm data come from the Enterprise Electronics Corporation “Sidpol” C-band polarimetric radar in Enterprise, Alabama, as well as the King City C-band polarimetric radar in Ontario, Canada. A number of distinctive polarimetric signatures are repeatedly found in each of these storms. The forward-flank downdraft (FFD) is characterized by a signature of hail observed as near-zero ZDR and high ZHH. In addition, a shallow region of very high ZDR is found consistently on the southern edge of the FFD, called the ZDR “arc.” The ZDR and KDP columns and midlevel “rings” of enhanced ZDR and depressed ρHV are usually observed in the vicinity of the main rotating updraft and in the rear-flank downdraft (RFD). Tornado tou...