AE013-06
Radar diagnosis of winter thunderclouds in Japan originating gamma-ray glows

Friday, 11 December 2020: 05:50
Virtual
Yuuki Wada1, Teruaki Enoto2, Mamoru Kubo3, Kazuhiro Nakazawa4, Takayuki Yuasa1, Daisuke Yonetoku3, Tatsuya Sawano3, Tomoo Ushio5, Taro Shinoda6, Yousuke Sato7, Gabriel Sousa Diniz2 and Harufumi Tsuchiya8, (1)RIKEN, Wako, Japan, (2)RIKEN, Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Japan, (3)Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan, (4)Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan, (5)Osaka University, Department of Engineering, Suita, Japan, (6)Nagoya University, Institute for Space–Earth Environmental Research, Nagoya, Japan, (7)Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan, (8)Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Japan
Recorded Presentation
Abstract:
During low-charge-center winter thunderstorms in Japan, minute-lasting gamma-ray glows have been frequently detected by ground-based radiation monitors. While gamma-ray glows are associated with overhead thunderclouds, these structures and meteorological conditions are not well investigated. During FY2016-FY2018 winter seasons, one of our GROWTH (Gamma-ray Observation of Winter Thunderclouds) detectors, at Kanazawa University in Kanazawa Prefecture, recorded in total 11 gamma-ray glows. We extract reflectivity data of the X-band (9.8 GHz) radar network operated by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. All the detected gamma-ray glows were connected to high-reflectivity regions of more than 35 dBZ, which corresponds to the existence of graupel and/or heavy rainfall . Based on constant altitude plan position indicator (CAPPI) observations, the high-reflectivity regions developed up to an altitude of 2 km or higher. It is speculated that electron acceleration that originates gamma-ray glows can take place in such a tall structure of winter thunderclouds. We will present meteorological conditions of winter thunderclouds producing gamma-ray glows in Japan.
<< Previous Abstract | Next Abstract >>