The rest of this chapter begins by describing the general characteristics, specifications, and end uses of some of the common types of weather radar in use today. These radars include the NWS NEXRAD and terminal Doppler weather radar (TDWR) systems, as well as a description of airborne radars. Next, a special form of the radar-range equation will be developed that is suited for describing the volume scattering found in weather-related echoes. The reflectivity factor, Z, will be introduced along with the more common measurement quantity, dBZ. This will be followed by a description of the application of Doppler processing for weather measurements, including several potential pitfalls in this processing, such as range folding and the so-called Doppler dilemma. The methods used to measure important meteorological phenomena will be discussed with an emphasis on the development of the relationship for measurement of rain. The characteristics of hail and snow, as well as clear air and nonmeteorological targets, will also be discussed. Some basic radar characteristics of weather systems such as supercells, tornadoes, and hurricanes will be shown. The chapter concludes with a short discussion of some of the most recent advances in weather-radar systems and processing, including dual-Doppler processing, various mobile weather-radar systems, and some radar systems and concepts currently still in development or on the drawing board.

Chapter Contents:

• 13.1 Introduction
• 13.2 Typical Weather-Radar Hardware
• 13.3 The Radar-Range Equation for Weather Radar
• 13.4 Doppler Processing
• 13.5 Hydrological Measurements
• 13.6 Characteristics of Some Meteorological Phenomena
• 13.7 Sun Echoes and Roost Rings
• 13.8 Advanced Processing and Systems
• 13.9 References
• 13.10 Further Reading

Inspec keywords: snow; Doppler radar; ice; meteorological radar; rain

Other keywords: snow; meteorological phenomena; Doppler dilemma; terminal Doppler weather radar system; TDWR system; weather related echoe; volume scattering; weather measurement; dual Doppler processing; radar range equation; rain; airborne radar; mobile weather radar system; hail; reflectivity factor

Subjects: Atmospheric, ionospheric and magnetospheric techniques and equipment; Radar equipment, systems and applications