Structural characteristics of deep convection over the Tibetan Plateau from the measurement of GPM

Utilizing GPM observations, ERA5 reanalysis data and topographic data, the structural characteristics of non-penetrating and penetrating deep convection during summer over the Tibetan Plateau are studied. It reveals significant spatiotemporal differences between the two types of deep convections. Notably, the non-penetrating deep convection exhibits higher frequencies and near surface rain rates compared to penetrating deep convection. The mean rain top height of non-penetrating and penetrating deep convection ranges between 15-16 km and 18-19 km, respectively. Moreover, the radar reflectivity peaks near the surface for both types while the latent heat release predominantly occurs around the middle of troposphere (near 10 km). The vertical distribution of non-penetrating deep convection raindrop particle concentrations (about 30) remain uniform (5-15 km), with larger raindrop diameters near surface (2.0-2.5 mm). In contrast, the penetrating deep convection exhibits particle concentrations below 10 km and near the rain top (19-20 km), with smaller raindrop diameters (1.0-1.5 mm). Additionally, significant differences in the thermal structure of the two types of deep convection are observed. Non-penetrating deep convection displays a more pronounced positive anomaly of temperature before and after occurrence, attributed to latent heat effects, while the cooling thickness near the tropopause for penetrating deep convection is thinner. Slight dehydration near the tropopause is noted after penetrating deep convection. The evident descent of tropopause height and sharp increase in CAPE before convection are conducive to the occurrence of penetrating deep convection. These results enhance our comprehension of the macro-micro structure of deep convection and the interaction between deep convections and corresponding thermal structures over the Tibetan Plateau.