Publications

This study is concerned with the use of cloud microphysical aircraft measurements (the Convair 580) to verify the origin of differential reflectivity (ZDR) measured with a ground-based radar (the WSR-88D KBUF radar in Buffalo, New York). The underlying goal is to make use of the radar measurements to infer the presence or absence of supercooled water, which may pose an icing hazard to aircraft. The context of these measurements is the investment by the Federal Aviation Administration in the use of NEXRAD polarimetric radar and is addressed in the companion paper by Smalley et al. (2013, this Conference). The highlight of the measurements on February 28, 2013 was the finding of sustained populations of hexagonal flat plate crystals over a large area northwest of the KBUF radar, in conditions of dilute and intermittent supercooled water concentration. Some background discussion is in order prior to the discussion of the aircraft/radar observations that form the main body of this study. The anisotropy of hydrometeors, the role of humidity and temperature in crystal shape, and the common presence of hexagonal flat plate crystals in the laboratory cold box experiment are all discussed in turn.