The NSSTC ARMOR C-band dual-polarimetric doppler radar: A tool for integrated remote sensing

Walter A. Petersen, Kevin Knupp, Justin Walters, Richard Blakesiee, Wiebke Deierling, Michael Gauthier, Michael Newchurch, Richard McNider

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH) and National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) C-band Doppler weather radar was recently upgraded to dual-polarimetric capabilities. The upgraded radar is called ARMOR (Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research) and operates within the UAH/NSSTC STORMnet (Severe Thunderstorm Observations and Research Meteorological network). ARMOR multi-parameter radar data are collected on a 24/7 basis and can be processed in real-time to provide an integrated view of atmospheric wind flow and precipitation fields. For meteorological purposes, polarimetrically- diagnosed cloud dynamic and microphysical information is easily combined to provide detailed displays of regional cloud development and storm intensity. This type of information is critical to cloud physics research, weather warning decision support, and the physical validation of atmospheric models. For atmospheric transport and diffusion modeling, near real-time low-level multi-Dopplcr wind retrievals gridded at 1-2 km and temporal resolutions 0[5-10 min.] can be assimilated into air pollution transport and dispersion models to improve forecasts of pollutant concentrations; the potential application to problems in areas ranging from environmental protection to homeland security being obvious. Similarly, these winds can be used to study the interaction of convective initiation and boundary layer circulations at relatively high resolution. From a hydrological perspective, dual-polarimetric radar- derived rainfall estimates provide one of the most accurate means to measure precipitation over large areas at relatively high spatial and temporal resolution. The ARMOR radar (and radars like it) can provide gap filling information to simulation activities the dynamic state of the atmosphere and land-surface.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHuntsville Simulation Conference
Subtitle of host publication"Modeling and Simulation: Providing Answers to Real World Questions", HSC 2005
Pages60-64
Number of pages5
StatePublished - 2005
EventHuntsville Simulation Conference: "Modeling and Simulation: Providing Answers to Real World Questions", HSC 2005 - Huntsville, AL, United States
Duration: Oct 25 2005Oct 27 2005

Publication series

NameHuntsville Simulation Conference: "Modeling and Simulation: Providing Answers to Real World Questions", HSC 2005

Conference

ConferenceHuntsville Simulation Conference: "Modeling and Simulation: Providing Answers to Real World Questions", HSC 2005
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHuntsville, AL
Period10/25/0510/27/05

Keywords

  • Data enrichment
  • Decision support
  • Hydrology
  • Real time
  • Validation

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