Cloud-Top Evolution of Tropical Oceanic Squall Lines from Radar Reflectivity and Infrared Satellite Data

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Abstract
Precipitation estimation over the tropical oceans is commonly performed using passive infrared (IR) measurements of cloud-top brightness temperature from geostationary satellites to infer the location of deep convection. It has been recognized in recent years that the majority of tropical precipitation is produced by mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). However, the relationship between the IR cloud-top patterns associated with MCSs and the underlying precipitation is not well understood. The assumption that the coldest cloud tops are associated with deep, active convection has been central to the characterization of cloud system motion and organization, and to many IR-based rainfall retrievals. Previous studies suggested that this view may be oversimplified when applied to propagating convective systems, such as squall lines. The goal of this study was to understand the evolution of the cold cloud associated with tropical oceanic squall line MCSs, and to discuss the implications for the retrieva... Abstract Precipitation estimation over the tropical oceans is commonly performed using passive infrared (IR) measurements of cloud-top brightness temperature from geostationary satellites to infer the location of deep convection. It has been recognized in recent years that the majority of tropical precipitation is produced by mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). However, the relationship between the IR cloud-top patterns associated with MCSs and the underlying precipitation is not well understood. The assumption that the coldest cloud tops are associated with deep, active convection has been central to the characterization of cloud system motion and organization, and to many IR-based rainfall retrievals. Previous studies suggested that this view may be oversimplified when applied to propagating convective systems, such as squall lines. The goal of this study was to understand the evolution of the cold cloud associated with tropical oceanic squall line MCSs, and to discuss the implications for the retrieva...

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