1. Mesoscale Observations in Hurricanes Robert Houze University of Washington First US-China Symposium on Meteorology, Norman, Oklahoma, 26 February 2008 Aug-Sep

2. KatrinaOpheliaRita Hurricanes investigated in RAINEX

3. November 2006

4. March 2007

5. RAINEX Innovations: Real-time high-resolution numerical forecasts Used high-resolution ELDORA radar Scientists on the ground directed the aircraft

6. Cleo 1958 Jimena 1991 Inez 1966 Katrina 2005 Typical Operational Flight Tracks Same for last 50 years! “Figure 4 Pattern”

7. RAINEX Flight Plan Detailed Doppler Coverage of rainbands & eyewalls

8. RAINEX Flight Plan Dropsondes Detailed Doppler Coverage of rainbands & eyewalls Supported by high frequency dropsondes

9. RAINEX Flight Coordination ELDORA radar

10. RAINEX Operations Model output A/C radar data & tracks Coastal radars Satellite data Integrated display

11. Katrina

20. New Conceptual Model of Principal Rainband Hence and Houze 2008 JGR

21. Rita

27. RAINEX airborne radar data in Rita Houze et al. 2007

28. New Conceptual Model of Eyewall Replacement Houze et al. 2007

29. Summary RAINEX used high-resolution airborne Doppler radar for first time in tropical cyclones Ground-directed flight tracks allowed us to focus the aircraft on the mesoscale features within the cyclone Obtained improved conceptual understanding of both rainband dynamics & eyewall replacement

30. Some Implications

32. Thank you!