Project Details
Projekt
Effective use of three-dimensional polarimetric radar network data
Applicant
Dr. Kathleen Helmert
Subject Area
Atmospheric Science
Term
from 2018 to 2021
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 408006423
The German Weather Service operates a network of 16 C-Band dual polarimetric Doppler radars and one single polarimetric Doppler radar evenly distributed over Germany. The observational data obtained within this radar network are well suited to capture precipitating cloud systems and provide 3D reflectivity, radial wind and a set of polarisation parameters including differential reflectivity, correlation coefficient and phase shift between horizontal and vertical polarised waves. The precipitation radar network provides a wealth of data with approximately 200 GB per day. The exploitation of polarimetric radar network data is a central part of the priority programme. An effective access and use of this data is important. The project addresses the following two main objectives: (a) Development of a web-based portal for the access of archived radar data which allows an easy access for project partners to DWD radar network data. (b) Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the potential of various classical and new parameters from single- and dual-pol radar data for the characterisation of precipitation events.The precipitation radar network data are stored at DWD in an archive-system with no direct access from outside DWD. To support the entire priority programme, a method will be developed to enable researchers within the priority program an easy access to DWDs radar data similar to the tool already available for numerical weather prediction model data.To best and effectively describe the complex three dimensional structure of precipitating clouds, parameters are required which best condense information of 3D- polarimetric radar data. While various parameters have been used in the past and new possibilities arise with 3D volume scans with 5-min intervals and the dual-polarisation technology, a thorough analysis is required. Open questions regarding various aspects, e.g. redundancy and supplementation, will be addressed. The work will be based on a synergy of available tools and new implementations exploiting the 3D volume scan radar data of DWD. The wealth of data provided by the dual-polarised radar network has to be interpreted and effectively used to be of benefit for various applications. These include data assimilation on a scale resolving precipitating weather systems and thorough evaluation and improvement of parameterisations of moist processes in atmospheric models. An effective use of 3D- polarimetric radar data will enhance our capabilities to predict convective cloud development and thunderstorms.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
Co-Investigator
Dr. Kathrin Wapler
