Multiparameter Radar Measurements of Precipitation in Complex Terrain: Meteorological and Hydrological Applications.
Abstract
The primary objective of this research program was to investigate problems related to the use of a C-band polarimetric radar for estimating the rainfall in a region with complex terrain and where storm development and structure are highly variable and poorly understood. The anticipated experimental opportunities or conclusive testing of whether dual polarization C-band reflectivity factor measurements are adequate for quantitative estimation of rainfall under these conditions did not materialize. A number of associated problems were identified and subsequently investigated. Methods for reduction of clutter and noise in rainfall fields were developed. Techniques for translating radar-derived rainfall parameters to the ground were introduced. Storm runoff simulation studies were performed based on radar measurements in rainstorms. Tomographic imaging techniques, which use microwave propagation links, were studied or rainfall measurements in complex terrain. The effects of vertical reflectivity gradients and attenuation on radar measurements in rainfall were investigated and correction algorithms were tested for the latter. Attenuation in rainfall was observed as a major problem for C-band dual-polarization reflectivity factor measurements in rain. For operational purposes there are presently no demonstrated reliable attenuation correction methods. This indicate: that S-band frequencies, which suffer little or negligible rainfall attenuation, should be the choice for operational rainfall measuring radars at this time. (MM)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 09, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA290786
Entities
People
- Kultegin Aydin
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University