Radar Studies of Aviation Hazards: Part 1 Storm Structure Algorithm.

Abstract : The interactions between the ambient environment, storm dynamics, and precipitation physics are complex but intrinsically deterministic of the types of thunderstorms which develop. These interactions generate the thunderstorms's precipitation and cloud structure which is monitored by Doppler radar. Tile severity of the resultant weather is directly related to the intensity of the thunderstorm. The most intense thunderstorms, supercells, account for a disproportionately high percentage of all thunderstorm-related severe weather events. Byers and Braham (1949) documented the life cycle of the ordinary thunderstorm which begins with an updraft that initiates development of a cumulonimbus cloud. At maturity, the resultant precipitation falls through the generating updraft. This creates a downdraft that overwhelms the updraft in the final stage of the thunderstorm. This life cycle of a single updraft/downdraft thunderstorm cell typically occurs over an one hour period with little if any associated severe weather. little if any associated severe weather.