Vertical Scan Mode

Vertical Scan mode allows you to explore the vertical development of a thunderstorm cell, and can be used to aid in differentiating between precipitation returns and ground clutter. In Figure 12 we can see a strong return showing on the outer right side of the display. Cities and mountains have strong reflective surfaces, which can produce returns similar to the one we see on this Horizontal Mode depiction.

In Figure 13 we can see the Vertical Scan mode exploring this same area, with radar returns showing vertical development that exceeds our current altitude. From this, we can determine that the returns are from precipitation. If the strong returns had been a city, the Vertical Scan display of red would have a relatively flat top and be below our altitude.

It is important to note that the returns shown on the Vertical Scan mode image are not the actual tops of the thunderstorm cell. Frozen precipitation at higher altitudes will not show here, and strong turbulence and hail can be present at altitudes well above the radar returns shown.

KEY POINT: Never overfly thunderstorms. Severe turbulence can extend well above the visible tops of a thunderstorm, and large hail may exist above the radar tops of a thunderstorm.

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