A Balloonborne Particle Size, Imaging, and Velocity Probe for in Situ Microphysical Measurements.

Authors: Waugh, S.M., Ziegler, C.L., MacGorman, D.R., Fredrickson, S.E., Kennedy, D.W., Rust, W.D. 

Journal: Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology

Publication Date: Online 7/29/15

Important Conclusions:

Researchers at the National Severe Storms Laboratory have developed the PArticle Size, Image, and Velocity (PASIV) probe, an instrument attached to a balloon that measures precipitation size, shape, velocity, orientation, and composition as it rises through a cloud. PASIV has been deployed into thunderstorms, supercells, and winter storms. Initial results demonstrate the ability of the instrument to obtain valuable high temporal and spatial resolution observations of the microphysics of particles in storms.

Significance: 

This paper serves as the baseline for the research being done with the balloon-borne particle imager. This pioneering approach to collecting in situ observations of particles inside severe weather will open avenues of research in cloud microphysics, lightning studies, storm dynamics, and radar validation in support of the NOAA Science and Technology Enterprise of a holistic understanding of the Earth System through research.