Mesocyclone Evolution and Differences between Isolated and Embedded Supercells

Xiuguang Diao, Qian Shi, Houfu Zhou

Anhui Institute of Meteorological Sciences, Hefei, China.
Shandong Provincial Meteorological Observatory, Jinan, China.

DOI: 10.4236/acs.2013.33A001                

Abstract

A total of 61 supercells with mesocyclones lasting for at least 6 volume scans were investigated. These storm parameters and mesocyclone parameters were counted and compared to determine the salient differences between isolated supercells and embedded supercells in different regions. The results showed that the mesocyclone parameters had different evolution characteristics in three stages of mesocyclone. The storm parameters, mesocyclone parameters and severe weather phenomenon had significantly differences between isolated supercells and embedded supercells. The mesocyclone parameter differences determined the differences in the reflectivity structure and weather phenomenon. The higher base and top of mesocyclone for isolated supercells indicated that the isolated supercells had higher maximum reflectivity, maximum reflectivity height, cell-based vertically integrated liquid and top of storm cell, and significantly higher probability of hail or large hail than the embedded supercells. The descending lower base of mesocyclone at its mature stage in the region of Jianghuai Plain indicated that the supercells in this region had a higher probability of mesocyclone-induced tornado.

Keywords

Evolution; Differences; Mesocyclones; Isolated and Embedded Supercells

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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