PhD position in DWD project at DLR und MIM: Life-cycle of convective clouds based on multiple high-resolution data sources
16.02.2016
Extramural research programme of German Weather Service (DWD)
In cooperation with MIM a PhD position is available at DLR (open until filled). Kontakt: tobias.zinner@lmu.de
Topic:
“Life-cycle of convective clouds based on multiple high-resolution data sources.”
Improved thunderstorm predictions are of highest interest for society. Despite the efforts of the past years, there is still considerable uncertainty in extrapolation based nowcasting methods and there exists a gap in the forecast quality towards short-term forecasts in the range of a few hours. The goal of this work is to use a synopsis of DWD 3D polarimetric radar network, lightning measurements, Meteosat observations and model forecast data for individual thunderstorm objects to make it possible to identify recurring properties which allow in combination the prediction of near future convection intensity trends and typical life-cycle behaviour. Special focus will be laid (1) on the identification of early intensification (convective initiation, mainly based on Meteosat SEVIRI and NWP model probability estimates) marking the transition between weak cumulus type convective cells and thunderstorms and (2) on the life-cycle of thunderstorms after onset of heavy precipitation and/or electrification (type and intensity trends). Finally, results of this novel life-cycle model will be quantified through a systematic evaluation using the collected observational data base.