Case Studies of the Microphysical and Kinematic Structure of Summer Mesoscale Precipitation Clouds over the Eastern Tibetan Plateau

Three cases of microphysical characteristics and kinematic structures in the negative temperature region of summer mesoscale cloud systems over the eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) were investigated using X-band dual-polarization radar. The time–height series of radar physical variables and mesoscale horizontal divergence \bar\delta derived by quasi-vertical profiles (QVPs) indicated that the dendritic growth layer (DGL, −20°C to −10°C) was ubiquitous, with large-value zones of K_DP (specific differential phase), Z_DR (differential reflectivity), or both, and corresponded to various dynamic fields (ascent or descent). Ascents in the DGL of cloud systems with vigorous vertical development were coincident with large-value zones of Z_DR, signifying ice crystals with a large axis ratio, but with no obvious large values of K_DP, which differs from previous findings. It is speculated that ascent in the DGL promoted ice crystals to undergo further growth before sinking. If there was descent in the DGL, a high echo top corresponded to large values of K_DP, denoting a large number concentration of ice crystals; but with the echo top descending, small values of K_DP formed. This is similar to previous results and reveals that a high echo top is conducive to the generation of ice crystals. When ice particles fall to low levels (−10°C to 0°C), they grow through riming, aggregation, or deposition, and may not be related to the kinematic structure. It is important to note that this study was only based on a limited number of cases and that further research is therefore needed.