Polarimetric Radar Signatures in Various Lightning Activities During Seoul (Korea) Flood on August 8, 2022

• DOI: 10.1007/s13143-023-00346-0
• Publication Date: 2023-12-20T12:02:29Z
• Authors: Hee-Ae Kim; Junho Ho; Guifu Zhang; Kyung-Ja Ha; Song-You Hong; Chang-Hoi Ho
• Keywords: Graupel; Lightning; Weather radar

Abstract On August 8 and 9, 2022, a record-breaking rain rate of 142 mm h −1 , with an accumulated rainfall more than 500 mm, was observed in the Seoul metropolitan area, Republic Korea. This study focuses on analyzing concentration lightning southern Seoul, which occurred solely 8. It is worth noting that daily approximately twice 9 (381 vs. 198 9). The RKSG (located Yongin, 40 km south Seoul) Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler used to explore characteristics cloud microphysics associated activity. Four major heavy periods were grouped into three categories (e.g., intense, moderate, none), their polarimetric signatures compared. Significant differences vertical distribution graupel found within temperature range 0 °C − 20 °C, as indicated by radar reflectivity (Z H ) > dBZ differential DR < 0.5 dB. Although detected all at relatively warm temperatures 10 its presence extended colder regions exclusively intense category. observation preceded appearance 6 min. At heights ≤ high vertically aligned ice crystals lightning-prone regions, leading decrease phase (Φ DP ). In summary, this provides valuable insights microphysical thunderstorms relationship activity area.