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While base reflectivity data shows the
location and intensity of precipitation at one radar elevation
angle (i.e., one plane or "cut" through the atmosphere),
"composite reflectivity" (CR) shows the location and
highest reflectivity values from all elevation angles employed
by the WSR-88D. In other words, the CR product is useful to determine
the maximum reflectivity value within a thunderstorm without
regard to the maximum's vertical location. It also is used to
identify elevated/suspended high reflectivity cores when used
in conjunction with low-level base reflectivity. Large elevated
cores can be associated with subsequent hail or strong winds
at the surface after the core descends. At left, red colors represent
high CR values within thunderstorms. Blue and green colors represent
the highest CR values within the anvil portion of the strongest
storms where light rain may be occurring at the surface. |
