In Situ Observations of Microphysics, Electric Fields, and Lightning in the Trailing Stratiform Region of a Mesoscale Convective System

Abstract

AbstractWe use in situ airborne observations to extend a previous analysis by Lang and Rutledge (2008; https://doi.org/10.1029/2006JD007709) of remotely sensed radar and lightning mapping array observations of the 11 June 2000 asymmetric mesoscale convective system (MCS) that moved through the primary observation region of the Severe Thunderstorm Electrification/Precipitation Study in northeastern Colorado and northwestern Kansas. We analyze in detail in situ aircraft observations, radar, and remotely mapped lightning discharges from a portion of the MCS that was starting to produce a bow echo during the time of the aircraft mission. The observations are interpreted to indicate the presence of a rearward and downward‐sloping positive charge layer detraining from a mature cell near the leading convective region. In the convective cell the positive charge region was at an altitude of ~10 km MSL. It then descended rearward, crossing the 6 km MSL altitude plane ~40 km to the rear of the leading convective region. During an 8‐min period, three major lightning discharges initiated in the convective region and propagated rearward into the trailing stratiform region in association with this positive charge layer. Airborne in situ microphysical and electrical observations suggest that the charge layer in the stratiform region of the storm during this period resulted from charge separation in the convective region and transport from there into the stratiform region. Microphysical and meteorological conditions in the stratiform region were not supportive of significant in situ charge separation in this portion of the stratiform region during this time period.