Radar research of hailstorm formation and development over the central part of Northern Caucasus (Russia). Organization and main results of the regional hail suppression projects

The results of the analysis of long-term radar research of the hailstorms over the central part of the Northern Caucasus are presented. Radar observations which formed the basis of experimental material were carried out continuously from the moment of the first radar echo registration until complete dissipation of the hailstorm. The computerized system of collecting, processing and the analysis of the radar information was used. Time discretization of the radar parameters of the full spatial observation averaged 3 min. Statistical sampling of radar data included 392 hail cells, for each of which the time distributions of the radar parameters both measured and calculated using the computerized system were compiled. Distribution of the hailstorms first radar echo formation zones over the observation region was compiled. Areas with the maximum frequency of the hailstorms first radar echo formation were defined. The hailstorm trajectories were analyzed. Four main types of hail cell trajectories were selected, which included 86 % of the supercells and 64 % of the long-lived multicells. The dynamic parameters of the hail core formation and development were analyzed. The hail storm characteristics of the Northern Caucasus are compared to the hail storms of Mendoza, Argentina, and Alberta, Canada. The bases of the organization of regional hail suppression services which use the rocket technology of cloud seeding are presented. The results of the cloud seeding operations during recent years are shown.