Multi-technique observations on precipitation and other related phenomena during cyclone Aila at a tropical location

Abstract

A severe cyclone, named Aila, passed over Kolkata on 25 May 2009. The strong convective activities manifested through rainfall during the cyclone were studied with multi-technique observations involving micro rain radar, disdrometer, rain gauges, and a Ku-band satellite signal receiving system. A number of features of precipitation, namely the presence of large rain drops, the large vertical extent of the precipitating layer, an unusual enhancement of cross-polar component, and strong scintillations of the co-polar component of the satellite signal due to strong turbulences associated with the cyclone, were observed. This study leads to a more comprehensive understanding of the precipitation associated with a cyclonic storm.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad, and the Indian Space Research Organisation, Bangalore, under the projects ‘Studies on tropical rain and atmospheric water content using ground based measurements and satellite data related to Megha Tropiques mission’ and ‘Integrated studies on water vapour, liquid water content and rain of the tropical atmosphere and their effects on radio environment’, being carried out at S.K. Mitra Centre for Research in Space Environment, University of Calcutta, India.