Mesoscale Observations in Mesoscale Observations in HurricanesHurricanes

Robert HouzeRobert HouzeUniversity of WashingtonUniversity of Washington

First US-China Symposium on Meteorology, Norman, Oklahoma, 26 February 2008First US-China Symposium on Meteorology, Norman, Oklahoma, 26 February 2008

Aug-Sep

KatrinaKatrina OpheliaOphelia RitaRita

Hurricanes investigated in RAINEX

November 2006

March 2007

RAINEX Innovations:

•Real-time high-resolution numerical forecasts

•Used high-resolution ELDORA radar

•Scientists on the ground directed the aircraft

Cleo 1958

Jimena1991

Inez 1966

Katrina 2005

Typical Operational Flight Tracks

Same for last 50 years!

“Figure 4Pattern”

RAINEX Flight PlanRAINEX Flight Plan

Detailed Doppler Coverage of rainbands & eyewalls

Detailed Doppler Coverage of rainbands & eyewalls

RAINEX Flight PlanRAINEX Flight Plan

Dropsondes

Detailed Doppler Coverage of rainbands & eyewalls

Supported by high frequency dropsondes

RAINEX Flight CoordinationRAINEX Flight Coordination

ELDORA radar

RAINEX OperationsModel output

A/C radar data & tracks

Coastal radars

Satellite data

Integrated display

Katrina

Katrina

Katrina

Katrina

Katrina

Katrina

Katrina

Katrina

New Conceptual

Model of Principal Rainband

Hence and Houze 2008

JGR

Rita

Rita

Rita

Rita

Rita

Rita

RAINEX airborne radar data in Rita

Houze et al. 2007

New Conceptual Model of Eyewall Replacement

Houze et al. 2007

SummarySummary

• RAINEX used high-resolution airborne Doppler radar for first time in tropical cyclones

• Ground-directed flight tracks allowed us to focus the aircraft on the mesoscale features within the cyclone

• Obtained improved conceptual understanding of both rainband dynamics & eyewall replacement

Some Implications

Thank you!