A methodology to study bright band structure on a global scale from TRMM precipitation radar

Bright band is perhaps one of the most widely known radar signature for a Ion, time. Extensive research has been reported in the literature, documenting various features of bright hands. Nevertheless it has always been a challenge to obtain a clear classification of the underlying structure of the vertical profile of reflectivity from radar observations. An understanding of the vertical structure of bright hand region is important because it holds information on the type of precipitation and its variability. A better understanding of the vertical structures of bright band region and its radar reflectivity structures is important for understanding, microphysical processes of stratiform precipitation. Observation of the vertical profile of precipitation over the global tropics is a key objective of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission. Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar produces unprecedented high-resolution vertical profiles of precipitation. This paper presents a methodology to analyze bright band developed based on Self Organizing Maps. This method is used to identity the characteristics of the region of the bright band from TRMM-PR vertical profile measurements for one year on a global scale. Subsequently the data are summarized in a new way that can be useful in comparing the vertical profile of reflectivity from different regions around the globe as well as different seasons.