Microburst Divergence Detection for Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR)
Abstract
The Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) microburst surface divergence detection algorithm has been under development and evaluation at Lincoln Laboratory since 1983. The TDWR program is sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the algorithm described in this report is a primary algorithm component of the TDWR system. The divergence algorithm processes radar velocity measurements taken near the earth's surface to identify the strong divergent outflow characteristic of microburst wind shear hazards. The algorithm uses a complex set of pattern matching and validation test criteria to locate microburst outflow signatures and to filter out false alarms from various data contamination sources. The divergence algorithm is primarily responsible for the detection of most microbursts, although the complete TDWR microburst algorithm consists of more than a dozen distinct algorithmic components. The divergence algorithm has demonstrated a very high probability of detection (POD) for strong microburst outflows, and its performance (as well as that of the complete microburst detection algorithm) was first formally assessed in the operational test and evaluation of the TDWR in Denver, CO (1988). Subsequent evaluations were performed in Kansas City, KS (1989) and Orlando, FL (1990). These evaluations have provided insight into the algorithm and system performance in a variety of meteorological and geographical environments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 25, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA243808
Entities
People
- M. W. Merritt
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology