scholarly journals Estimating the Vertical Structure of Intense Mediterranean Precipitation Using Two X-Band Weather Radar Systems

2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 1656-1675 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Berne ◽  
G. Delrieu ◽  
H. Andrieu
Keyword(s):  
Attenuation Correction ◽  
Vertical Profile ◽  
Vertical Structure ◽  
Radar Signal ◽  
Radar Rainfall ◽  
Radar Systems ◽  
X Band ◽  
Radar Measurements ◽  
The One ◽  
Signal Attenuations

Abstract The present study aims at a preliminary approach of multiradar compositing applied to the estimation of the vertical structure of precipitation—an important issue for radar rainfall measurement and prediction. During the HYDROMET Integrated Radar Experiment (HIRE’98), the vertical profile of reflectivity was measured, on the one hand, with an X-band vertically pointing radar system, and, on the other hand, with an X-band RHI scanning protocol radar. The analysis of the raw data highlights the effects of calibration and attenuation problems affecting the measurements of both radar systems. Once the two radar systems have been intercalibrated, various attenuation correction techniques are applied. The comparison of raw, intercalibrated, and corrected radar measurements for the two radar systems stresses the importance of calibration and attenuation correction. The applied corrections improve the consistency of the vertical profile of reflectivity that is measured by the two radar systems. However, a significant uncertainty remains when strong radar signal attenuations occur.

scholarly journals A Simple Method for Attenuation Correction in Local X-Band Radar Measurements Using C-Band Radar Data

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (11) ◽  
pp. 2315-2329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Lengfeld ◽  
Marco Clemens ◽  
Claire Merker ◽  
Hans Münster ◽  
Felix Ament
Keyword(s):  
Attenuation Correction ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Band Frequency ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Weather Radars ◽  
Radar Systems ◽  
Radar Networks ◽  
X Band ◽  
Radar Measurements

AbstractThis paper presents a novel, simple method to correct reflectivity measurements of weather radars that operate in attenuation-influenced frequency bands using observations from less attenuated radar systems. In recent years radar systems operating in the X-band frequency range have been developed to provide precipitation fields for areas of special interest in high temporal (≤1 min) and spatial (≤250 m) resolution in complement to nationwide radar networks. However, X-band radars are highly influenced by attenuation. C- and S-band radars typically have coarser resolution (250 m–1 km and 5 min) but are less affected by attenuation.Correcting for attenuation effects in simple (non-Doppler) single-polarized X-band radars remains challenging and is often dependent on restriction parameters, for example, those derived from mountain returns. Therefore, these algorithms are applicable only in limited areas. The method proposed here uses measurements from C-band radars and hence can be applied in all regions covered by nationwide C- (or S-) band radar networks. First, a single scan of X-band radar measurements is used exemplary to identify advantages and disadvantages of the novel algorithm compared to a standard single radar algorithm. The performance of the correction algorithms in different types of precipitation is examined in nine case studies. The proposed method provides very promising results for each type of precipitation. Additionally, it is evaluated in a 5-month comparison with Micro Rain Radar (MRR) observations. The bias between uncorrected X-band radar and MRR data is nearly eliminated by the attenuation correction algorithm, and the RMSE is reduced by 20% while the correlation of ~0.9 between both systems remains nearly constant.

scholarly journals Characterization of Mediterranean hail-bearing storms using an operational polarimetric X-band radar

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 4681-4698 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Vulpiani ◽  
L. Baldini ◽  
N. Roberto
Keyword(s):  
Phase Shift ◽  
Attenuation Correction ◽  
Convective System ◽  
Polarimetric Radar ◽  
Differential Phase Shift ◽  
Differential Phase ◽  
X Band ◽  
Radar Measurements ◽  
Storm Characteristics ◽  
The City

Abstract. This work documents the effective use of X-band radar observations for monitoring severe storms in an operational framework. Two severe hail-bearing Mediterranean storms that occurred in 2013 in southern Italy, flooding two important Sicilian cities, are described in terms of their polarimetric radar signatures and retrieved rainfall fields. The X-band dual-polarization radar operating inside the Catania airport (Sicily, Italy), managed by the Italian Department of Civil Protection, is considered here. A suitable processing is applied to X-band radar measurements. The crucial procedural step relies on the differential phase processing, being preparatory for attenuation correction and rainfall estimation. It is based on an iterative approach that uses a very short-length (1 km) moving window, allowing proper capture of the observed high radial gradients of the differential phase. The parameterization of the attenuation correction algorithm, which uses the reconstructed differential phase shift, is derived from electromagnetic simulations based on 3 years of drop size distribution (DSD) observations collected in Rome (Italy). A fuzzy logic hydrometeor classification algorithm was also adopted to support the analysis of the storm characteristics. The precipitation field amounts were reconstructed using a combined polarimetric rainfall algorithm based on reflectivity and specific differential phase. The first storm was observed on 21 February when a winter convective system that originated in the Tyrrhenian Sea, marginally hit the central-eastern coastline of Sicily, causing a flash flood in Catania. Due to an optimal location (the system is located a few kilometers from the city center), it was possible to retrieve the storm characteristics fairly well, including the amount of rainfall field at the ground. Extemporaneous signal extinction, caused by close-range hail core causing significant differential phase shift in a very short-range path, is documented. The second storm, on 21 August 2013, was a summer mesoscale convective system that originated from a Mediterranean low pressure system lasting a few hours that eventually flooded the city of Syracuse. The undergoing physical process, including the storm dynamics, is inferred by analyzing the vertical sections of the polarimetric radar measurements. The high registered amount of precipitation was fairly well reconstructed, although with a trend toward underestimation at increasing distances. Several episodes of signal extinction were clearly manifested during the mature stage of the observed supercells.

X-band Polarimetric Radar Rainfall Measurements in Keys Area Microphysics Project

2006 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanouil N. Anagnostou ◽  
Mircea Grecu ◽  
Marios N. Anagnostou
Keyword(s):  
Phase Shift ◽  
Attenuation Correction ◽  
Doppler Radar ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Dual Polarization ◽  
Radar Rainfall ◽  
Differential Phase Shift ◽  
Differential Phase ◽  
X Band ◽  
Filter Noise

Abstract The Keys Area Microphysics Project (KAMP), conducted as part of NASA’s Fourth Convective and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-4) in the lower Keys area, deployed a number of ground radars and four arrays of rain gauge and disdrometer clusters. Among the various instruments is an X-band dual-polarization Doppler radar on wheels (XPOL), contributed by the University of Connecticut. XPOL was used to retrieve rainfall rate and raindrop size distribution (DSD) parameters to be used in support of KAMP science objectives. This paper presents the XPOL measurements in KAMP and the algorithm developed for attenuation correction and estimation of DSD model parameters. XPOL observations include the horizontal polarization reflectivity ZH, differential reflectivity ZDR, and differential phase shift ΦDP. Here, ZH and ZDR were determined to be positively biased by 3 and 0.3 dB, respectively. A technique was also applied to filter noise and correct for potential phase folding in ΦDP profiles. The XPOL attenuation correction uses parameterizations that relate the path-integrated specific (differential) attenuation along a radar ray to the filtered-ΦDP (specific attenuation) profile. Attenuation-corrected ZH and specific differential phase shift (derived from filtered ΦDP profiles) data are then used to derive two parameters of the normalized gamma DSD model, that is, intercept (Nw) and mean drop diameter (D0). The third parameter (shape parameter μ) is calculated using a constrained μ–Λ relationship derived from the measured raindrop spectra. The XPOL attenuation correction is evaluated using coincidental nonattenuated reflectivity fields from the Key West Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D), while the DSD parameter retrievals are statistically assessed using DSD parameters calculated from the measured raindrop spectra. Statistics show that XPOL DSD parameter estimation is consistent with independent observations. XPOL estimates of water content and Nw are also shown to be consistent with corresponding retrievals from matched ER-2 Doppler radar (EDOP) profiling observations from the 19 September airborne campaign. Results shown in this paper strengthen the applicability of X-band dual-polarization high resolution observations in cloud modeling and precipitation remote sensing studies.

scholarly journals Reduction of Nonuniform Beamfilling Effects by Multiple Constraints: A Simulation Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (11) ◽  
pp. 2114-2124 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Short ◽  
Robert Meneghini ◽  
Amber E. Emory ◽  
Mathew R. Schwaller
Keyword(s):  
Attenuation Correction ◽  
Vertical Structure ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Radar Reflectivity ◽  
Radar Signal ◽  
Precipitation Radar ◽  
Sensor Field ◽  
Spaceborne Radar ◽  
Ku Band ◽  
Reflectivity Factor

AbstractA spaceborne precipitation radar samples the vertical structure of precipitating hydrometeors from the top down. The viewing geometry and operating frequency result in certain limitations and opportunities. Among the limitations is attenuation of the radar signal that can cause the measured radar reflectivity factor to be substantially less than the desired quantity, the true radar reflectivity factor. Another error source is the spatial variability in precipitation rates that occurs at scales smaller than the sensor field of view (FOV), giving rise to the nonuniform beamfilling (NUBF) effect. The opportunities arise when the radar return from the surface can be used to obtain constraints on the path-integrated attenuation (PIA) for use in hybrid attenuation correction algorithms. The surface return can also provide some information on the degree of NUBF at off-nadir viewing angles. In this paper ground-based radar data are used to simulate spaceborne radar data at nadir and off-nadir viewing angles at Ku band and Ka band and to test attenuation correction algorithms in the presence of nonuniform beamfilling. The cross-FOV gradient in PIA is found to be an important characteristic for describing the performance of attenuation correction algorithms.

scholarly journals Microphysical Retrievals from Dual-Polarization Radar Measurements at X Band

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 729-741 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugenio Gorgucci ◽  
V. Chandrasekar ◽  
Luca Baldini
Keyword(s):  
Size Distribution ◽  
Attenuation Correction ◽  
Drop Size ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Drop Size Distribution ◽  
Polarimetric Radar ◽  
Axis Ratio ◽  
X Band ◽  
Radar Measurements ◽  
Self Consistency

Abstract The recent advances in attenuation correction methodology are based on the use of a constraint represented by the total amount of the attenuation encountered along the path shared over each range bin in the path. This technique is improved by using the inner self-consistency of radar measurements. The full self-consistency methodology provides an optimization procedure for obtaining the best estimate of specific and cumulative attenuation and specific and cumulative differential attenuation. The main goal of the study is to examine drop size distribution (DSD) retrieval from X-band radar measurements after attenuation correction. A new technique for estimating the slope of a linear axis ratio model from polarimetric radar measurements at attenuated frequencies is envisioned. A new set of improved algorithms immune to variability in the raindrop shape–size relation are presented for the estimation of the governing parameters characterizing a gamma raindrop size distribution. Simulations based on the use of profiles of gamma drop size distribution parameters obtained from S-band observations are used for quantitative analysis. Radar data collected by the NOAA/Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) X-band polarimetric radar are used to provide examples of the DSD parameter retrievals using attenuation-corrected radar measurements. Retrievals agree fairly well with disdrometer data. The radar data are also used to observe the prevailing shape of raindrops directly from the radar measurements. A significant result is that oblateness of drops is bounded between the two shape models of Pruppacher and Beard, and Beard and Chuang, the former representing the upper boundary and the latter the lower boundary.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Attenuation Correction Methodology for Dual-Polarization Radars: Application to X-Band Systems

2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 1195-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugenio Gorgucci ◽  
V. Chandrasekar
Keyword(s):  
Attenuation Correction ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Lower Cost ◽  
Dual Polarization ◽  
Phase Measurements ◽  
Differential Phase ◽  
High Frequency Radar ◽  
Radar Systems ◽  
X Band ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Monitoring of precipitation using high-frequency radar systems, such as the X band, is becoming increasingly popular because of their lower cost compared to their S-band counterpart. However, at higher frequencies, such as the X band, the precipitation-induced attenuation is significant, and introduces ambiguities in the interpretation of the radar observations. Differential phase measurements have been shown to be very useful for correcting the measured reflectivity for precipitation-induced attenuation. This paper presents a quantitative evaluation of two attenuation correction methodologies with specific emphasis on the X band. A simple differential phase–based algorithm as well as the range-profiling algorithm are studied. The impact of backscatter differential phase on the performance of attenuation correction is evaluated. It is shown that both of the algorithms for attenuation correction work fairly well, yielding attenuation-accurate corrected reflectivities with a negligible bias.

Comparison of Disdrometer and X-Band Mobile Radar Observations in Convective Precipitation

2014 ◽  
Vol 142 (7) ◽  
pp. 2414-2435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan A. Kalina ◽  
Katja Friedrich ◽  
Scott M. Ellis ◽  
Donald W. Burgess
Keyword(s):  
Attenuation Correction ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Convective Precipitation ◽  
Radar Signal ◽  
Squall Line ◽  
Drop Shape ◽  
X Band ◽  
Signal Quality Index ◽  
Differential Reflectivity

Abstract Microphysical data from thunderstorms are sparse, yet they are essential to validate microphysical schemes in numerical models. Mobile, dual-polarization, X-band radars are capable of providing a wealth of data that include radar reflectivity, drop shape, and hydrometeor type. However, X-band radars suffer from beam attenuation in heavy rainfall and hail, which can be partially corrected with attenuation correction schemes. In this research, the authors compare surface disdrometer observations to results from a differential phase-based attenuation correction scheme. This scheme is applied to data recorded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) X-band dual-polarized (NOXP) mobile radar, which was deployed during the second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2). Results are presented from five supercell thunderstorms and one squall line (183 min of data). The median disagreement (radar–disdrometer) in attenuation-corrected reflectivity Z and differential reflectivity ZDR is just 1.0 and 0.19 dB, respectively. However, two data subsets reveal much larger discrepancies in Z (ZDR): 5.8 (1.6) dB in a hailstorm and −13 (−0.61) dB when the radar signal quality index (SQI) is less than 0.8. The discrepancies are much smaller when disdrometer and S-band Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) Z are compared, with differences of −1.5 dB (hailstorm) and −0.66 dB (NOXP SQI < 0.8). A comparison of the hydrometeor type retrieved from disdrometer and NOXP radar data is also presented, in which the same class is assigned 63% of the time.

Experimentally Based Estimates of Relations between X-Band Radar Signal Attenuation Characteristics and Differential Phase in Rain

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 2442-2450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergey Y. Matrosov ◽  
Patrick C. Kennedy ◽  
Robert Cifelli
Keyword(s):  
Dual Wavelength ◽  
Radar Signal ◽  
Polarimetric Radar ◽  
Signal Attenuation ◽  
Differential Phase ◽  
X Band ◽  
Correction Scheme ◽  
Northern Colorado ◽  
Radar Measurements ◽  
Drop Size Distributions

AbstractCorrecting observed polarimetric radar variables for attenuation and differential attenuation effects in rain is important for meteorological applications involving measurements at attenuating frequencies such as those at X band. The results of estimating the coefficients in the correction-scheme relations from dual-wavelength polarimetric radar measurements of rainfall involving attenuating and nonattenuating frequencies are described. Such coefficients found directly from measurements are essentially free from different assumptions about drop shapes, drop size distributions, and/or relations between different radar variables that are typically used in many attenuation and differential attenuation correction schemes. Experimentally based estimates derived using dual-wavelength radar measurements conducted during a project in northern Colorado indicate values of the coefficients in the attenuation–differential phase quasi-linear relations at X band in the approximate range of 0.20–0.31 dB deg−1. The corresponding coefficients in the differential attenuation–differential phase relations are in the range of 0.052–0.065 dB deg−1.

scholarly journals Quantitative analysis of X-band weather radar attenuation correction accuracy

2006 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Berne ◽  
R. Uijlenhoet
Keyword(s):  
Attenuation Correction ◽  
Weather Radar ◽  
Single Frequency ◽  
Forward Algorithm ◽  
Radar Rainfall ◽  
Estimation Uncertainty ◽  
X Band ◽  
Raindrop Size ◽  
Radar Calibration ◽  
Stochastic Simulator

Abstract. At short wavelengths, especially C-, X-, and K-band, weather radar signals are attenuated by the precipitation along their paths. This constitutes a major source of error for radar rainfall estimation, in particular for intense precipitation. A recently developed stochastic simulator of range profiles of raindrop size distributions (DSD) provides a controlled experiment framework to investigate the accuracy and robustness of attenuation correction algorithms. The work presented here focuses on the quantification of the influence of uncertainties concerning radar calibration, the parameterization of power law relations between the integral variables (radar reflectivity Z and specific attenuation k), and total path integrated attenuation (PIA) estimates at X-band. The analysis concerns single frequency, incoherent and non-polarimetric radar systems. Two attenuation correction algorithms, based on a forward and a backward implementation respectively, are studied. From DSD range profiles, the corresponding profiles of integral radar variables are derived. Using a Monte Carlo approach, the accuracy and robustness of the two algorithms are quantified for the different sources of error previously mentioned. This framework of realistic DSD variability provides a robust way to confirm that, under realistic assumptions concerning the PIA estimation uncertainty, the forward algorithm outperforms the backward algorithm for PIA values below 10 dB.

scholarly journals Polarimetric Attenuation Correction in Heavy Rain at C Band

2011 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji-Young Gu ◽  
A. Ryzhkov ◽  
P. Zhang ◽  
P. Neilley ◽  
M. Knight ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attenuation Correction ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Hot Spots ◽  
Heavy Rain ◽  
Radar Signal ◽  
Polarimetric Radar ◽  
Correction Algorithm ◽  
Correction Scheme ◽  
Radar Measurements ◽  
Convective Cells

Abstract The ability of C-band polarimetric radar to account for strong attenuation/differential attenuation is demonstrated in two cases of heavy rain that occurred in the Chicago, Illinois, metropolitan area on 5 August 2008 and in central Oklahoma on 10 March 2009. The performance of the polarimetric attenuation correction scheme that separates relative contributions of “hot spots” (i.e., strong convective cells) and the rest of the storm to the path-integrated total and differential attenuation has been explored. It is shown that reliable attenuation correction is possible if the radar signal is attenuated by as much as 40 dB. Examination of the experimentally derived statistics of the ratios of specific attenuation Ah and differential attenuation ADP to specific differential phase KDP in hot spots is included in this study. It is shown that these ratios at C band are highly variable within the hot spots. Validation of the attenuation correction algorithm at C band has been performed through cross-checking with S-band radar measurements that were much less affected by attenuation. In the case of the Oklahoma storm, a comparison was made between the data collected by closely located C-band and S-band polarimetric radars.

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