RGB Hexagram Approach for Visualization and Multivariate Analysis with Application to Mixed-Phase Clouds
摘要
An RGB hexagram, a new visualization and multivariate analysis method capable of representing mixtures of up to three components, was developed. This method was applied as a case study to analyze the mixed-phase cloud characteristics in numerical simulations of an isolated convective cloud containing mixed-phase areas. For this analysis, liquid water, graupel, and ice mass were selected as the three components corresponding to Red, Green, and Blue of the RGB hexagram to investigate the cloud microphysical characteristics. During the developing stage of the cloud before precipitation onset, simulation results represented the active positive and negative charge separation of graupel and graupel growth. Visualization using RGB values defined by the RGB hexagram effectively illustrated the vertical cross-sectional characteristics of mixed-phase clouds in this stage. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated differences in charge separation properties between areas dominated by graupel growth and those with active charge separation. This application case suggests that visualization and analysis with the RGB hexagram, through appropriate variable selection, can contribute to the understanding of meteorological phenomena.