Full-Tracking Algorithm for Convective Thunderstorm System From Initiation to Complete Dissipation

Accurate tracking of all components (including core, anvil, and cirrus) of deep convective systems (DCSs) throughout their lifecycle is key to quantifying their impacts on radiative forcing, especially of the anvil and cirrus. Here, a new Full-tracking Algorithm for Convective Thunderstorm System is developed based on geostationary satellite. It successfully tracks DCSs starting from the initial core to complete dissipation of cirrus detrained from them, and integrates all the related components that split from the initial convective core into a whole DCS. Results show that more than half of the tracked DCSs experience splitting evolutions, with an average of eight sub-cores during their lifetime. With tracking cirrus generated by DCSs, the lifetime of DCSs is lengthened by up to 10 hr, and their area is enlarged by 16% on average. Generally, long-lived DCSs have lower cloud top temperature, greater rainfall, and larger area, with more frequent splitting evolutions than short-lived DCSs. Additionally, DCSs always reach their peaks within 6 hr after initiation regardless of their lifetime. This paper provides a basis for further quantifying the evolution of DCS properties, their impacts on the global radiation budget, and the water cycle in the climate system.