There will be two different approaches for the diagnosis of conceptual models for convective developments:

The small scale approach

The diagnosis of convective developments with help of observations; the following material will be used:

• Satellite imagery: cold cloud top enhancement
• Weather reports
• Lightning reports
• Development images indicating new development and decay of cloudiness

In the satellite imagery typical configurations like cellular structures, circular and oval shapes and differences between IR and VIS are used for diagnosis. Development images will be used to try to get some information about life cycle and further development.

The meso - to synoptic scale approach

The description and use of conceptual models of the synoptic environment of the convective developments; the following material and tools are used:

• Overview in satellite imagery
• Stability index on isobaric surfaces: Showalter index
• Numerical model parameters on isobaric surfaces
• Numerical model parameters in vertical cross section; special attention is paid to:
  • Vertical distribution of TA
  • Vertical distribution of convergence
  • Vertical distribution of PVA
• Relative streams for discrimination of different air masses
• PV (optionally)

The overview in the satellite imagery is also used to sort out configurations with cold cloud tops which are connected with non-convective conceptual models like, for instance, high Lee Cloud.