1 / 7

Dual-Polarization Research: Winter Microphysics

Explore the types of crystals in winter storms, their polarimetric "fingerprints," and their operational utility for improved warning and decision-making processes. Discover the research value of polarimetric fingerprints, combined data approaches, and the benefits for melting layer detection, hail size detection, and quantitative precipitation estimates.

swoodard
Download Presentation

Dual-Polarization Research: Winter Microphysics

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. Dual-Polarization Research: Winter Microphysics Heather Reeves (CIMMS) February 25–27, 2015 National Weather Center Norman, Oklahoma

  2. Types of crystals in winter storms Highly anisotropic: high ZDR Nearly isotropic: ZDR near 0 dB Intermediate forms: ZDR depends on canting angle Polarimetric “fingerprints” can be used to Improve the warning/decision-making process Improve microphysical parameterization schemes and assimilation of radar data See K. Elmore talk NSSL Lab Review Feb 25–27, 2015

  3. Polarimetric fingerprints:Operational utility Dendrites – Enhanced ZDR/gradient in Z Aggregation – Low ZDR/High Z: Melting aloft (freezing rain at sfc) – enhanced ZDR Highly anisotropic - High ZDR NSSL Lab Review Feb 25–27, 2015 NSSL Lab Review Feb 25–27, 2015

  4. Polarimetric fingerprints: research value Riming Refreezing ZDR NSSL Lab Review Feb 25–27, 2015

  5. Next Frontier: Combined data approaches Radar observations + Profiles of temperature & humidity from numerical models Spectral Bin Classifier (SBC): 3D depiction of cloud habit viewable in MRMS (see K. Howard talk) Radar coverage in lowest 1 km: very limited NSSL Lab Review Feb 25–27, 2015

  6. Next Frontier: Combined data approaches Other beneficiaries of this approach: Melting layer detection Hail size detection Quantitative precipitation estimate (QPE) for snow Z Z ZDR QPE bulls-eyes (see K. Howard talk) NSSL Lab Review Feb 25–27, 2015

  7. Summary Fingerprinting will aid in operational decision making. Fingerprinting reveals new knowledge of microphysical processes. New technology (QVPs: Quasi-Vertical Profiles) allows users to quickly interrogate radar data and is in the process of being transferred to operations. A revolution in the way radar algorithms work is underway – the combined data approach. Z ZDR NSSL is continuing our legacy of revolutionizing the way forecasters use radar observations in all four seasons. Our external partners NSSL Lab Review Feb 25–27, 2015

More Related