Single-Doppler Velocity Retrieval of the Wind Field in a Tornadic Supercell Using Mobile, Phased-Array, Doppler Radar Data

Abstract

A three-dimensional data assimilation (3DVar) least squares–type single-Doppler velocity retrieval (SDVR) algorithm is utilized to retrieve the wind field of a tornadic supercell using data collected by a mobile, phased- array, Doppler radar [Mobile Weather Radar (MWR) 05XP] with very high temporal resolution (6 s). It is found that the cyclonic circulation in the hook-echo region can be successfully recovered by the SDVR algorithm. The quality of the SDVR analyses is evaluated by dual-Doppler syntheses using data collected by two mobile Doppler radars [Doppler on Wheels 6 and 7 (DOW6 and DOW7, respectively)]. A comparison between the SDVR analyses and dual-Doppler syntheses confirms the conclusion reached by an earlier theoretical analysis that be- cause of the temporally discrete nature of the radar data, the wind speed retrieved by single-Doppler radar is always underestimated, and this underestimate occurs more significantly for the azimuthal (crossbeam) wind component than for the radial (along beam) component. However, the underestimate can be mitigated by in- creasing the radar data temporal resolution. When the radar data are collected at a sufficiently high rate, the azimuthal wind component may be overestimated. Even with data from a rapid scan, phased-array, Doppler radar, our study indicates that it is still necessary to calculate the SDVR in an optimal moving frame of reference. Finally, the SDVR algorithm’s robustness is demonstrated. Even with a temporal resolution (2 min) much lower than that of the phased-array radar, the cyclonic flow structure in the hook-echo region can still be retrieved through SDVR using data observed by DOW6 or DOW7, although a difference in the retrieved fields does exist. A further analysis indicates that this difference is caused by the location of the radars.