Storm Labeling in Three Dimensions (SL3D): A Volumetric Radar Echo and Dual-Polarization Updraft Classification Algorithm

Abstract

This study presents a new storm classification method for objectively stratifying three-dimensional radar echo into five categories: convection, convective updraft, precipitating stratiform, nonprecipitating stratiform, and ice-only anvil. The Storm Labeling in Three Dimensions (SL3D) algorithm utilizes volumetric radar data to classify radar echo based on storm height, depth, and intensity in order to provide a new method for updraft classification and improve upon the limitations of traditional storm classification algorithms. Convective updrafts are identified by searching for three known polarimetric radar signatures: weak-echo regions (bounded and unbounded) in the radar reflectivity factor at horizontal polarization ([Formula: see text]), differential radar reflectivity ([Formula: see text]) columns, and specific differential phase ([Formula: see text]) columns. Additionally, leveraging the three-dimensional information allows SL3D to improve upon missed identifications of weak convection and intense stratiform rain in traditional two-dimensional classification schemes. This study presents the results of applying the SL3D algorithm to several cases of high-resolution three-dimensional composites of NEXRAD WSR-88D data in the contiguous United States. Comparisons with a traditional algorithm that uses two-dimensional maps of [Formula: see text] are also shown to illustrate the differences of the SL3D algorithm.