Extratropical Cyclone Hydrometeor Vertical and Horizontal Spatial Correlation Structure

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This project will investigate the vertical and horizontal spatial structure of hydrometeor (cloud and precipitation) fields using statistical correlation analysis applied to observed radar reflectivity as evidenced in satellite data e.g. CloudSat, derived surface rain-rates and other satellite data (including AMSR-E, MODIS, and CERES retrievals). Preliminary analysis incorporating all observations regardless of synoptic conditions, has indicated that southern hemisphere extratropics have longer correlation lengths of hydrometeor occurrence in the horizontal and vertical than the northern hemisphere, however there are shorter correlation lengths in precipitation occurrence. To gain insight into such hemispheric differences, the plan is to draw out factors controlling precipitation and cloud structure in cyclones applying compositing techniques in the South Pacific region. This project will advance discovery and understanding while at the same time promote teaching and learning by supporting directly a graduate student researcher, who will give local seminars on this research, as well as disseminate research results through conference presentations and peer-review publications.