PROJECT SUMMARY Rutledge/97-26464 This research is an investigation of both middle latitude and tropical convection. A particular strength of this research is its inclusion of cloud dynamics, microphysics, associated electrification, and lightning in an integrated approach to the problems. Specific objectives include: an investigation of deep, tropical convection studied with multiparameter radar during the Maritime Continent Thunderstorm Experiment, similar studies of deep, middle latitude convection sampled in the STERAO-A project, a detailed investigation of severe hailstorms and why some produce large numbers of positive cloud-to-ground lightning flashes, further refinement of polarimetric radar techniques for remotely-inferring precipitation processes in clouds, and participation in new field efforts to study tropical continental convection in Brazil and oceanic convection over the Marshall Islands. The research will lay foundations for improved representation of lightning in physical models and in global models to assess effects of NOx produced by lightning on chemical processes in the atmosphere. One potential practical benefit is the possible use of real-time lightning observations to improve predictions of the behavior of severe storms. All of the objectives of this research depend on use of existing techniques and development of new techniques for application of multiparameter polarimetric radar data. NSF FORM 1358(7~5)
