Abstract:Using data of a new generation Doppler weather radar located at Qihe, the features of 148 linear mesoscale convective systems (LMCSs), which occurred within area about 150 thousand square kilometers from 2004 to 2012, are statistically analyzed including inter-annual and inter-monthly distributions, typical scales and typical echo intensities; The presentation time and position of initial echoes, duration, echo merge features, move speeds and directions, evolution characteristics and types of organizations at later stage of LMCSs are also studied. LMCSs has obvious inter-annual characteristic, while the peak period within a year is from June to July. 80% LMCSs are meso-β systems with diameters greater than 50 km, and 20% LMCSs belong to meso-α system. For 97.3% of the LMCSs, the maximum echo during their mature stage are between 55 and 70 dBz. LMCSs tend to formation between 10:00-22:00 with maximum frequency between 14:00-16:00, while it is barely developed during wee hours. The durations of LMCSs are between 2 and 18 hours, and most between 6 and 8 hours. Half LMCSs experience echo merges, which are grouped into 3 categories including with Isolated Convection, with Convective echo group, and with convective echo belt. Underlying topography may has great influence on initials of LMCSs. The topography around Tai-hang Mountains, north and west parts of Mountain Tai is favorable for LMCSs triggering. This study could be helpful for understanding the features of LMCSs in different stages. In addition, it could be helpful to improve the real-time monitoring and short-term warning for the LMCSs.