Vertical Radar Reflectivity Structure and Cloud-to-Ground Lightning in the Stratiform Region of MCSs: Further Evidence for In Situ Charging in the Stratiform Region

Abstract

Abstract This study presents further evidence in support of an in situ, noninductive charging mechanism as the process likely responsible for significant electrification of the trailing stratiform regions of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). In contrast to previous studies of MCS electrification that have investigated observations of radar reflectivity and cloud-to-ground lightning in the horizontal (e.g., Orville et al.; Rutledge et al.), here the relationship between the location and occurrence of cloud-to-ground lightning in the stratiform regions of midlatitude and tropical MCSs and the vertical profile of radar reflectivity are examined. The vertical profile of radar reflectivity at elevations above the 0°C level is used as a proxy for the amount of mass present in the mixed-phase region of the stratiform clouds, which in turn is related to the generation of charge through a noninductive charging mechanism. To further explore the relationship between radar reflectivity, mixed-phase microphysics, a...