VORTEX2 is a field experiment proposed for 2009 that will use
mobile radars, dual-polarized radars, unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAV's), precipitation microphysics probes, and high-density
surface observations to gather valuable data to improve our
understanding of the storm processes that lead to tornadoes as
well as increasing our understanding of how precipitation
processes effect storm evolution. These data will be used to
improve precipitation parameterizations in storm-scale models.
Microphysical parameters derived from just WSR-88D reflectivity
and velocity observations are limited. The dual-pol upgrade to
WSR-88D will provide valuable information about hydrometeor
shape and size distribution. Another area SWAP will study is how
improved mesoscale observations from surface mesonets and
satellite have the potential to improve forecasts. Precipitation
Microphysics and Cold Pools Data from a mobile mesonet,
including state variables and disdrometer measurements, as well
as data from deployable surface sensor