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Using Satellite Data to Analyze the Initiation and Evolution of Deep Convective Clouds |
CAO Zhi-Qiang1,2,3 HUANG Qing-Ni3 ZHAO Su-Rong4 WANG Li-Wei1,2,3ZHENG Fei1ZHU Jiang1 |
1Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100029, China
2Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
3National Satellite Meteorological Center, Beijing 100081, China
4National Meteorological Center, Beijing 100081, China |
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Abstract In this study, two deep convective cloud cases were analyzed in detail to study their initiation and evolution. In both cases, all deep convective clouds were positioned at the rear of the cold front cloud bands and propagated backward. Satellite data showed that prior to initiation of the deep convective clouds, thermodynamic and moist conditions were favorable for their formation. In the morning, a deep convective cloud at the rear of cold front cloud band propagated backward, the outflow boundary of which created favorable conditions for initiation. An additional deep convective cloud cluster moved in from the west and interacted with the outflow boundary to develop a mesoscale convective system (MCS) with large, ellipse-shaped deep convective clouds that brought strong rainfall. The initiation and evolution of these clouds are shown clearly in satellite data and provide significant information for nowcasting and short-term forecasting.
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Received: 15 January 2013
Revised: 27 May 2013
Accepted: 17 June 2013
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Corresponding Author:
CAO Zhi-Qiang
E-mail: zqcao@pku.org.cn
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