APRIL 1991 BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY 389 Comments on “Mesoscale Convective Patterns

In his recent article, Blanchard (1990-- hereafter referred to as B90) has undertaken to develop a radar-based echo classification scheme for mesoscale convective systems. This is a laudable effort and I believe that a taxonomy of convective systems can become a valuable contribution to our understanding of such storm systems and their recognition by field forecasters. In fact, I concur with Gould (1989) that development of a taxonomy is not just an exercise for the feeble-minded; classification schema form windows on reality that influence how people think about the phenomena for a long time. Therefore, it is important that a classification scheme be as clear a window as possible. Gould (1989) has provided examples (from life science) where a cloudy window on reality has proven an obstacle to new understanding. To undertake the development of a taxonomy almost invariably means that the author's view will be disputed. B90 is no exception and I am bringing this dispute into the open because of the importance of a proper taxonomy for mesoscale convective systems. I am not proposing an alternative taxonomy because I have not done the hard work required to produce one, nor am I an "expert " in taxonomy. Nevertheless, I must register my concerns about the scheme presented in B90. A proper taxonomy must depend on readily identifiable characteristics and I do not believe B90 has presented a clear distinction between "linear " and "occluding " systems. Whereas the archetypes presented in B90's Fig. 2 seem to be quite distinct