Radar Basic and Principle by CHYOU For Students

2022 Weather Radar Data Utilization for Meteorological Services
Weather radar basics and

observation principle
2022. 06. 14.
Atmospheric Environmental Research Institute,

Pukyong National University
Cheol Hwan You (youch@pknu.ac.kr)

OUTLINE
▪ Weather radar basics
- Background
- What is weather radar ?
• Weather radar components
• Radar beam characteristics, Weather radar equation
• Transmitting & Receiving characteristics, Non-standard beam
consequences
▪ Weather radar observation principle

- Weather radar scan strategy
- Weather radar data quality control
- Examples of some applications
2
Background
DIAGRAM OF RADAR DATA UTILIZATION
Weather
Radar
Weather
Radar Data Numerical
Radar Quality Controlled
Weather Processing Model
Radar Data
Radar System
Weather
Radar
SCAN
Severe
Weather
Radar Echo Watch
Composite
Very Short
Range
Radar-AWS Rainrate Forecasting
(RAR) (0~6hr)
VSRF MAPLE
Surface Observation
Network
(ASOS, AWS)
Courtesy of WRC 3
Background
DAMAGE AMOUNT (MILLION WON) IN 2015
Typhoon Heavy Snowfall Strong Wind Heavy Rainfall Wind & Waves
1,213 333
(4%) (1%)
3,891(12%)
13,404(42%)
13,021(41%)
4
Courtesy of Statistical yearbook of natural disaster by NFA
Background
CASUALTIES WITH PHENOMENA IN LAST 10 YEARS
PERSON
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0 YEAR
'06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 Avg.
Typhoon Heavy Snowfall Strong Wind Heavy Rainfall
5
Courtesy of Statistical yearbook of natural disaster by NFA
Background
RAINRATE DISTRIBUTIONS FOR 35 YEARS
WITH DIFFERENT STRENGTH
30 6
160
> 100 mm/h > 200 mm/h > 300 mm/h

140 5
25
120
Frequency (Day)
4
Frequency (Day)
20
Frequency (Day)
100
80 15 3
60
10 2
40
5 1
20
0 0 0
1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Year Year Year

Rainrate from 59 manned observatories for 35 years from 1973 to 2008
➢ 25 August 2014 at
Busan : Youngdo 76.5
mm day-1, Gumjeonggu
244.5mm day-1
6
Background
RAINFALL EVENT ON 25 AUGUST IN 2014
Gumjeong
Distance:
around 17 km
Young-Do
7
Background
SURFACE OBSERVATION NETWORK DAILY RAINFALL ACCUMULATION
2014.8.25. Time : 1min

Space: 13km
Courtesy of KMA
8
Background
SATELLITE
- COMS(COMMUNICATION, OCEAN AND METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE)
Launch:2010.6.27
http://nmsc.kma.go.kr/html/homepage/ko/chollian/choll_info.do
Time : 8~15min
Space: 1~4km
9
What is weather radar?
WEATHER RADAR NETWORK
Time : 2.5~10min
Space: 0.125~1km
Courtesy of KMA
10
RAdio Detection And Ranging
Uses radio waves to detect and determine the range of atmospheric
targets
11
Radars are characterized by the frequency or wavelength of electromagnetic
radiation at which they transmit
radiation frequency
Speed of light
radiation wavelength
Courtesy of Prof. Kumjian
12
13
KWANAK WEATHER RADAR
DIAGRAM OF WEATHER RADAR
RADOME
ANTENNA
PHASE ESTIMATION
CLUTTER FILTERING
ROTARY
JOINT PULSE PAIR PROCESSING
AZIMUTH INTEGRATION
RANGE INTEGRATION
OUTPUT FORMATING
POLARISATION
SWITCH RECEIVER LOG-AMPL.
Z
Z
GUDEOK WEATHER RADAR
MIXER A
(ZDR)
CIRCULATOR STC LNA
IF -
AMPLIFIER
MATCHED
FILTER LIN-AMPL. V
RSP
I D
I-Q Q W
DEMODULATOR
RSP ESTIMATOR
CONTROL
IAGC Z,R,V,W(ZDR)
FROM
MODULATOR KLYSTRON
RSP RADAR CENTRAL
CONTROL RCP CONTROL
DATA TRANSFER
TRANSMITTER PROCESSING
BITE
SYNCHR.
FROM RADAR PRODUCT
RSP RDP
RF- DATA GENERATION
AMPLIFIER PROCESSING
MIXER COHO
PHASE DISPLAY
AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS: SYNCHR. TERMINALS
ANTENNA CONTROL
POWER SUPPLY
ENVIRONMENT CONTROL
CALIBRATION
MAINTENANCE
Courtesy of WRC
14
How does radar work?

15
TRANSMITTER
Amplifier (2MW)
Stable frequency
Oscillator : Generation of
frequency
Power and frequency

(500kW)
Small size(Portable)
Developed in 1939
Magnetron
Klystron Courtesy of WRC
16
ANTENNA
Main lobe • Transmit radar signal into atmosphere

side lobe and receive the returned signal
• Directional, isotropic
• Parabolic type
• Consideration : beam width , size,
antenna gain
Antenna gain G=10log10(P1/P2)

Beam width (azimuthal resolution)
𝜃=1.277 wavelength/𝐷𝑎
Courtesy of WRC
17
WAVEGUIDE
• Way of radar wave
• Wire : way of low frequency
• Coaxial cable : High frequency
• Wave guide : Way of microwave radar signal
• Material : iron, rubber etc.
• Rotary Joint : Movement of antenna horizontally and vertically
V 채널
H 채널
Courtesy of Dr. Lee

18
SIGNAL PROCESSOR
DZ – Reflectivity
CZ – Corrected Reflectivity
VR – Radial Velocity
SW – Spectrum Width
Z
N
Volume Azimuth Range
Scan
gate size
Elevation
Elevation Step Beam width
W Courtesy of Dr. Choongki Lee E
19
S
DISPLAY
Reflectivity Radial Velocity Spectrum Width SQI
ZDR ΦDP KDP ρHV Courtesy of Dr. Lee
20
Radar beam characteristics
① Beam width: Length of portion of beam where power is one-half peak
transmitted power
KMA RADAR
• Approximately 1°
• Smeared by antenna rotation
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/remote/beam_max.htm
21
① Beam width: Radar beam width is defined by the half-power points
▪ Pulse width is related to the

range resolution=cτ/2
▪ Beam width is related to the

azimuthal resolution
22
② Discrete Pulses: Allows for range determination intercepted targets
Pulse #1
Pulse #3 Pulse #2
23
② Discrete Pulses: Allows for range determination intercepted targets
Pulse width: Length of pulse
Pulse width
Short pulse : 1 μs 1 μs = 3×108 m/s×10-6 s = 300m Range resolution = cτ/2=150m

Long pulse : 4.5 μs 4.5 μs=3×108 m/s×4.5×10-6 s=1.35km Range resolution = cτ/2=675m
h : Pulse width
1us of resolution :150m
24
③ Physical size: The beam increases in size continually down range
Distance: 240km
Beam H: 3.39km
Beam Diameter: 4.19km
Distance: 150km
Beam H: 1.33km
Distance: 50km
Beam H: 0.15km
Beam width : 1.0 degree

Antenna altitude: 0.0 km
25
④ Power density: The amount of power intercepting the targets
1. Directly related to transmitter power
2. Inverse relation to beam size (range)
Long-Range
Mid-Range Lower power density
Lower power density
Close Range
High power density
26
⑤ Backscattered Power: Amount of power returned to radar after target
intercepts transmitted power
Size Shape State Concentration

Higher concentration
Rayleigh scattering Simple scattering Dielectric constant results in higher
Liquid reflects more power return
vs power than ice
Mie scattering
Complex scattering
https://scienceyoucansinkyourteethinto.com
/2014/01/07/catch-a-raindrop/
http://tokyo-ame.jwa.or.jp/en/amesh/mpradar.html
https://stratus.ssec.wisc.edu/products/iceha
https://www.munichre.com/topics-online/en/climate-change- bits/icehabits.html
27
and-natural-disasters/climate-change/hail.html
Rayleigh Scattering
Occurs when intercepting target is small compared to wavelength of radar beam
Results in linear relationship between power return and target size
KMA radar (around 10 cm wavelength)

Valid for rain drops (< 7mm)
28
Mie Scattering
Occurs when intercepting target is similar in size compared to wavelength of radar

beam
Results in oscillating relationship between power return and target size
KMA radar (around 10 cm wavelength)

Valid for hail
29
▪ A particle’s scattering response depends on its size (a) relative
to the wavelength (λ) of incident radiation
and the ability of incident radiation to excite dipoles in the material:
function of T, λ
Example values at S band at T = 0 °C:
for liquid
for ice
30
10
Mie or “Resonance” region
Optical region
1
0.1
Rayleigh region
0.01
0.001
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 1.0 2 5 10
Adapted from Skolnik
31
Summary of radar beam characteristics
• The weather radar emits discrete pulses to determine the range
of intercepted targets.
• Beam width is determined at the point at which the power along

the beam reaches one-half the peak transmitted power.
• A beam’s physical size increases continually down range from the
radar.
• Power density is directly related to transmitter power and
inversely related to beam size.
• Rayleigh scattering occurs for rain drops with KMA radar, resulting
in a linear relationship between power return and target size.
32
QUIZ: Radar beam characteristics
1. The weather radar transmits discrete pulses of energy in order to determine of
the echoes detected.
1) Color 2) Range 3) Shape 4) Intensity
2. Beam width is determined by the point where the peak transmitted

power by .
1) decreases; one-half 2) increases; one-fourth
3) increases; one-half 4) decreases; one-third
3. A beam’s physical size increases continually as the pulse propagates down range.
1) True 2) False
4. Power density is directly related to and inversely related to .

1) Peak transmitted power; beam size (range)
2) Peak transmitted power; antenna size
3) Antenna height; peak transmitted power
4) Wavelength; antenna size
33
QUIZ: Radar beam characteristics
5. Which statement best describes why the Rayleigh approximation is mostly valid for
weather radar interpretation?
1) Rayleigh discovered radar could be used for weather detection while

studying bugs
2) All weather targets are similar in shape resulting in a linear relationship
between power return and size
3) The majority of weather targets are similar in size compared to the
wavelength of the weather radar
4) The majority of weather targets are small compared to the wavelength
of the weather radar
34
Weather radar equation
Why do we care about the weather radar equation ?
Weather Radar Equation
Z(reflectivity factor)
KWK RADAR
35
𝑃ത𝑟 𝑅2
Weather radar equation 𝑍=
𝐶𝑟
𝑃ത𝑟 - Average Power Return
• Average power returned to the radar 𝑃ത𝑟

after encountering particles 𝑍=
• The higher the average power return,

the higher the reflectivity factor!
What increases 𝑃ത𝑟 ?
Number of Size of
Particles Particles
36
Pr Z
Pr Z
Sensitivity: Ability of radar to

detect power return
37
𝑃ത𝑟 𝑅2
𝐶𝑟
Cr – Radar Constant
• The radar constant is a collection of parameters about a specific radar

(i.e. fixed characteristics)
• Calibration keeps these radar constants within acceptable limits
• |K|2 is largely dependent on composition of a target ( equation

assumes water: |K|2=0.93
• |K|2 is much lower for ice (0.197) so our equation UNDERESTIMATES

reflectivity in areas of snow and ice
𝜋 3 𝑃𝑡 𝑔2 𝜃𝜑𝑐𝑡 𝐾 2
𝐶𝑟 =
1024ln(2)𝜆2 38
𝑃ത𝑟 𝑅2
𝐶𝑟
R2 – Range
• R represents the range to a target
• Power decreases with increasing distance (Decrease in power=distance

squared)
• R is squared to help account for decrease in power for far away targets
Z=20dBZ Z=20dBZ
Pr=-16dB Pr=-22dB
50 km 100 km 39
Assumptions:
① Equation assumes particles are much smaller than radar wavelength (i.e.
Rayleigh scattering).
This is not always true (i.e. hail) and complicates reflectivity factor estimates.
② Equation assumes entire radar beam is uniformly filled with targets.

This is not always true and leads to either over- or underestimation of Z.
③ Equation assumes no loss of power (i.e. no “attenuation”).

This is not always true and leads to underestimation of Z.
40
Summary of radar equation
𝑃ത𝑟 𝑅2
𝑍=
𝐶𝑟
Z(reflectivity factor)
KWK RADAR
Pr R2 Cr
(Average Return Power) (Range) (Radar Constant)
• Proportional to z • Proportional to z • Inversely proportional
• Increases due to • Helps reduce to z
higher particle underestimation for • Set of parameters
number and size particles far away associated with a
from radar certain radar
Assumptions;
1) No loss of power, 2) Rayleigh scattering is met, 3) Targets uniformly fill entire radar beam
41
QUIZ: Radar Equation
1. The weather radar equation is how we go from power transmitted by the radar to
getting something as useful as reflectivity.
1) True 2) False
2. What 3 variables are used to solve for the weather radar equation? (select all that apply)
1) Range 2) Density of Air 3) Radar Constant
4) Power Return 5) Reflectivity Factor
3. Using the common radar assumptions, which of the following statements are true about
average power return? (select all that apply)
1) Directly proportional to z 2) Inversely proportional to z
3) Increases as the number of particles increases
4) Decreases as the size of particles decrease
4. In the radar constant, the dielectric constant () is set to the value for liquid water, which
is much higher than that of ice. This leads to an in reflectivity factors values in
regions of snow and ice.
1) underestimate 2) overestimate 42
QUIZ: Radar Equation
5. The reflectivity factor is normalized by the of the range to the target to
account for the loss in power due to increasing range.
1) Derivative 2) Square 3) Fourth power 4) Square root
6. What are 3 main assumptions that the weather radar equation makes?
1) No attenuation occurs 2) Uniform beam filling occurs
3) Mie scattering occurs 4) Rayleigh scattering occurs
43
Transmitting & Receiving Characteristics
Transmitting & receiving characteristics impact accurate:
• Range detection
• Velocity estimates
44
• Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)
The number of pulses sent out by the radar per second
• Pulse Repetition Time (PRT)

The time elapsed between two pulses
• Maximum Unambiguous Range (Rmax)

The distance traveled out & back by one pulse before the next
pulse is sent
c
Rmax =
2  PRF
45
• Maximum Unambiguous Velocity (Vmax)
The maximum speed a target needs to move before reaching the

Nyquist velocity
PRF  
Vmax =
4
• Doppler Dilemma
Fewer pulses = Long Rmax, but low Vmax
More pulses = High Vmax, but Short Rmax
c PRF  
Rmax = Vmax =
2  PRF 4
Scanning strategies have been designed to mitigate the Doppler
Dilemma 46
• Pulse Duration
The length of time spent transmitting a pulse
Longer pulse duration = more power density (a.k.a sensitivity)
Short pulse Long pulse

(1.0 μsec) (4.5 μsec)
47
• Target Range Equation
transmits pulses of
electromagnetic waves…
…receives signals scattered

back from the storm. Courtesy of Prof. Kumjian
48
Summary of Transmitting & Receiving Characteristics
• Transmitting & receiving characteristics impact:

▪ Range estimates
▪ Velocity estimates
• PRF/PRT determine the Rmax & Vmax for the pulse (Doppler
dilemma)
• Pulse duration related to power density (sensitivity)
• Targets located beyond the Rmax range folded

▪ Appear close to radar than actuality
49
Quiz: Transmitting & Receiving Characteristics
1. Which of the following radar characteristics are determined by the PRF? (select all that
apply)
1) Maximum Unambiguous Velocity 2) Pulse Duration
3) Maximum Unambiguous Range 4) Power density
2. The Pulse Repetition Time (PRT) is just the reciprocal of the Pulse Repetition Frequency.
1) True 2) False
3. Vmax is the PRF, and Rmax is the PRF

1) Independent of; dependent on 2) the integral of; the derivative of
3) a multiple of; equal to 4) proportional to; inversely proportional to
4. The long pulse duration mode for weather radar exists to .

1) Increase Rmax for storms covering a large aerial extent
2) Provide more accurate velocity estimations in clear air mode operations
3) Increase the listening time for the radar
4) Provide more sensitivity during clear air mode operations 50
Quiz: Transmitting & Receiving Characteristics
5. Which statement best explains why the target range equation divides by a factor of 2?
1) The time taken for the return pulse to reach the radar includes the round
trip time. We only care about the one-way trip time to target.
2) The return pulse may occur outside the Rmax, so dividing by 2 places the
target range back within the Rmax range where it should be located.
3) The target may have moved double the distance by the time the return
pulse makes it back to the radar, so dividing by 2 allows for this change in
distance.
4) The speed of light in the atmosphere is roughly half the speed it is in an
vacuum.
6. Range folding occurs with weather radar when .
1) The return power from the first pulse arrives at the radar when the
second pulse has already been transmitted
2) The target appears closer to the radar because the radar has decreased
the PRT
3) The target was moving faster than maximum unambiguous velocity
4) The target appears closer to the radar because the radar has decreased
PRF.
51
Non-Standard Beam Consequences
▪ Side Lobes
▪ Beam Height
52
• Side Lobes
Pieces of energy outside the main lobe intercept a target and return
to the radar
Side Lobe Main Lobe
Side Lobe
Can occur in the vertical or Main lobe

horizontal directions side lobe
53
• Beam Height Calculations

𝑅2
𝐻 = 𝑅𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜑 +
2𝑅𝑒 (𝐼𝑅)
H= Beam height above radar level
φ= radar elevation angle
R=target’s slant range
Re=Earth’s radius
IR=index of refraction
Height ARL
Assumes standard propagation Height AGL

of the radar beam
54
• Beam Height: Super-Refraction • Beam Height: Sub-Refraction

Radar beam refracts more than it Radar beam refracts less than it
would in a standard atmosphere → would in a standard atmosphere →
Typically caused by temperature Typically caused by dry adiabatic
inversions layers or where moisture increases
with height
Standard Beam
Sub-Refracted Beam
Super-Refracted
Beam
Standard Beam
Results in overestimation Results in underestimation

of the beam height of the beam height
55
• Beam Height: Ducting

Radar beam refracts enough to hit the ground at long ranges → Typically
caused by stable layers or sharp temperature inversions
Results in overestimation Standard Beam

of the beam height
Ducted Beam
56
Summary of Non-standard beam consequences
• Side lobe contamination occurs when pieces of energy outside

the main lobe intercept a target and return to the radar
• Most commonly seen in the low-levels near strong horizontal reflectivity
gradients
• Super-refraction typically occurs with temperature inversions
• Sub-refraction typically occurs when moisture increases with

height
• Beam height can be over or underestimated if super-refraction or
sub-refraction is occurring, respectively.
57
Quiz: Non-standard beam consequences
1. Side lobes are defined as that exist outside the which can cause
erroneous echoes.
1) Accidental transmissions; main lobe 2) pieces of energy; radome
3) Pieces of energy; main lobe 4) secondary transmissions; radome
2. Beam heights will be for sub-refraction, and for super-refraction.
1) overestimated; underestimated 2) as expected; underestimated

3) underestimated; as expected 4) underestimated; overestimated
58
How does radar work?
Dual polarization radar
Courtesy of Ryzhkov
▪ Advantages of dual polarization radar
- Improvement of rainfall estimation
- Discrimination of meteorological and non-meteorological targets.
- Hydrometeor classification and retrieval of DSDs(Drop Size Distribution)
59
Component of radar data : Universal Format or NetCDF or HDF
60
Reflectivity factor at horizontal polarization ZH
• Defined as the sum of backscattering cross sections per unit volume
in the radar sampling volume
• Can be thought of as the returned signal power received by the

radar
• For small (Rayleigh region), spherical liquid drops, it is equal to the 6th
moment of the size distribution
- The above equation is not valid for very non-spherical particles or those
that are electromagnetically large!
61
Reflectivity factor at horizontal polarization ZH
- 6-7 dB difference between liquid water and ice (large difference in m)
- Fluffy snow aggregates tend to go as D4, not D6.
- Complicated dependence on size in resonance region! Courtesy of Prof. Kumjian
62
Reflectivity(Z): CZ, DZ
Uncorrected Reflectivity (DZ) Corrected Reflectivity (CZ)
63
Radial velocity, VR
(away)
(towards)
VR 64
Radial velocity, VR
Velocity
True Velocity
Vector
Positive Equals to
(True Doppler
Doppler
Velocity) Zero Velocity
Velocity
Doppler
(+:Away) Velocity
Negative
Doppler
Velocity
(-:Toward)
Courtesy of WRC
Doppler
radar 65
Spectrum Width, SW
SW
66
Spectrum Width, SW
• Defined as the square root of the variance of the spectrum of Doppler
velocities
• Affected by microphysical, environmental, and radar factors:
shear across sampling volume differential fall

speeds turbulence
smearing by antenna rotation oscillations of drops
• For scanning radars, the shear and turbulence terms tend to

dominate. Courtesy of Prof. Kumjian
67
Differential Reflectivity, ZDR
A measure of the reflectivity-factor-weighted shape of

particles in the sampling volume
68
Differential Reflectivity, ZDR
For spherical particles

of any size: ZDR = 0 dB
[drizzle]
Those with their major axis aligned in the horizontal:
For electromagnetically
small, nonspherical particles: ZDR > 0 dB
Those with their major axis aligned in the vertical:
ZDR < 0 dB
69
DIFFERENTIAL PHASE SHIFT, ΦDP
φDP＝2Δφ (Differential phase shift) Δφ
Transmitted pulse
H-pol
a
fd
b
V-pol
Specific differential phase, KDP

1 dDP
K DP =
2 dr
Rain rate estimation
R =  K DP  Shape of raindrops
The principle of rain rate estimation by KDP. Multi-parameter radar uses two polarimetric waves
to measure the difference in phase velocity per unit distance of horizontally- and vertically-
polarized waves. Courtesy of Prof. Maki
70
ΦDP KDP
71
Cross correlation coefficient
ρhv is a measure of the diversity of

particle shapes, canting angles, physical
compositions, and δ in the radar
sampling volume.
Non weather echo Weather echo (heterogeneous) Weather echo (homogeneous)

(bird, insect, chaff etc.) - Hail, wet snow - Rain, snow
High difference between A little difference between Similar difference between
horizontal and vertical pulse horizontal and vertical pulse horizontal and vertical pulse
ρhv < 0.70 0.70 < ρhv < 0.97 ρhv > 0.97
Courtesy of Prof WRC
72
Cross Correlation Coefficient (ρhv)
Cross correlation coefficient
73
Weather radar observation principle
Scan strategy
▪ Interval of radar data
• How often we could observe weather?
• How many elevation angles we use?
- The lowest and highest elevation angle ?
- How many elevation angles included in one volume scan?
▪ Maximum range and velocity
- Depends on wavelength and PRF(Pulse Repetition Frequency)
Rmax =
c PRF  
Vmax =
2  PRF 4
74
Scan strategy
▪ Set the lowest and highest elevation angle
No data
Highest EL.
Lowest EL.
B’ B A A’ B B’
No data No data
75
Scan strategy
▪ Set the lowest and highest elevation angle
• Simulation using DEM and elevation angle
(a) Lowest elevation angle(°) (b) Lowest height (m)
KARI, 2012
76
Scan strategy
▪ Selection of elevation angle using equi-distance
delta Z is same as possible

k = d2 / ( d1 + d2)
P = G1 * k + G2 * (1 - k)
Wood and Brown(1999)
77
Scan strategy
▪ Consideration of antenna speed ▪ SD of reflectiivty: 1 dB or lower
▪ Maximum ant. Rotation speed: 5 rpm
• Simulation of antenna rotation speed and

reflectivity/radial velocity
1
SD(P) = 10 log10 1 + 1/2
16 𝜋𝑀𝑇𝑆 𝑊/𝜆
▪ M: : Sample number
▪ 𝑇𝑠 : PRT
▪ W : Spectrum width
▪ 𝜆 : Wavelength
Estimate dwell 1° :Single PRF
(Sirmans and Doviak, 1973)
Estimate dwell 0.6° :Dual PRF
KARI, 2018
78
Scan strategy
Estimate dwell 1° :Single PRF
▪ Consideration of antenna speed Estimate dwell 0.6° :Dual PRF
• Simulation of antenna rotation speed and

reflectivity/radial velocity
𝜆 𝜔
SD(V) = 2 4 (𝜋)𝛽 2 𝑇𝑠 𝑀𝑇𝑠
▪ M : Sample number
▪ 𝑇𝑠 : PRT
▪ W : Spectrum width
▪ 𝜆 : Wavelength
▪ 𝛽 : Gaussian function
2.2 3.7
𝛽 𝑇𝑆 = 𝑒𝑥𝑝 −2𝜋 2 𝜔2 𝑇𝑠2 rpm rpm
(Zrnic, 1977)
KARI, 2018
79
Scan strategy
▪ Consideration of antenna speed
AS=13 deg./s
Beam width=1degree
PRF=1200Hz
TS=PRF/AS×δ AZ
=1200 s-1/13°s-1×1°
= about 92 pulses
80
Scan strategy: ROC in US
81
Courtesy of ROC
1) AVSET (Automated Volume Scan Evaluation and Termination))
- Storm near to radar: - Storm far from radar:

VCP all elevation use Lower than 5°degree
VCP12
Courtesy of ROC
82
2) SAILS (Supplemental Adaptive Intra-Volume Low-Level Scan))
Courtesy of ROC
83
3) Multiple Elevation Scan Option for SAILS (MESO-SAILS)
84
Courtesy of ROC
4) MRLE (Mid-Volume Rescan of Low-Level Elevations)
(a) The lowest to middle (b) Additional observation: (c) From middle to highest
elevation angle( 5.1° ) 0.5 °, 0.9 °, 1.3 ° elevation angles
Courtesy of ROC
85
Scan strategy : XRAIN
Courtesy of Dr. Maesaka

86
Scan strategy : A candidate
Precipitation every 1 minute and

volume data every 5 minutes
Clear air and Precipitation mode using Alert function at EDGE

87
Moments : Reflectivity
DZ CZ
88
1) IIR Filter
- Clutter Filter
- Remove data lower value than filter setting
Example.
RAW IIR filter: 40dB number 9
KMA, 2016
89
KMA,2016
90
2) CCOR(Clutter Correction)
- CSR(Clutter to Signal Ratio)
- Difference between Uncorrected REF. and Corrected REF. higher than
CSR, then remove Corrected REF.
Difference between
Area of CSR ≥ 15 dB
uncorrected Z and Corrected Z
KMA, 2016
91
3) LOG
- LOG threshold is related to Noise Sample
Example.
KMA, 2016
92
Removal of non weather echo: Post processing
2nd trip echo Sun strobe Ground clutter AP Sea Clutter
Rmax_600Hz
Second Trip
Rmax_1200Hz
Echo at
1200Hz c Courtesy of WRC
R max = = 125km
2PRF
93
CHAFF
EXAMPLES OF CHAFF ON RADAR

5.13.09:40
5.13.10:30
5.13.13:00
5.13.15:00
Courtesy of WRC
94
MF(SDZ,Z)
Membership function ⅹWSDZ(Z)
Standard deviation of Z SDZ(dB)
 MF W MFtot  MFthresh
MF(VGZ,Z)
Input
Vertical gradients of Z ⅹWVGZ(Z) MFtot =
data W
VGZ(dB/deg)
SPIN change
MF(APIN,Z)
1/ 2 ⅹWSPIN(Z) Non-precipitation echo
1 n 
SDZ =   (dBZ j − dBZ ) 2 
SPIN(%) precipitation echo
 n j =1 
dBZi +1 − dBZi
VGZ = −
i +1 − i Vertical difference reflectivity(VDZ)
 SPINchange _ counts 
SPINchange =   100
ngates nrays
 All _ counts    (Z
j =1 i =1
i, j − Z i , j −1 ) 2
TDBZ =
N
VDZ = ( Z − Z URT ) /( H URT − H )
Courtesy of WRC
95
QCed
Courtesy of WRC
96
Fuzzy
Courtesy of WRC
97
Radial Velocity :VR
1) SQI (Signal Quality Index)
- SQI : 0~1 (0~ 100%)
- lower than SQI threshold, then remove
- For radial velocity and spectrum
SQI VR
≥0
≥ 0.9 Courtesy of WRC
98
Velocity dealiasing: Post processing
Raw
• VT = VO ± 2n* VN
• VT : True velocity
• VN : Nyquist velocity
• VO : Observed
• Reference
After
• Upper air sounding
• VAD
• Continuity check
Courtesy of WRC
99
Radial Velocity
Courtesy of WRC
100
Radial Velocity
Mesocyclone Microburst
Courtesy of WRC
101
Observation of DSDs
POSS
2 DVD PARSIVEL
Filter paper
102
Introduction of DSD
Marshall-Palmer, 1947
𝑁 𝐷 = 𝑁0 exp(−Λ𝐷)
Slope factor
Λ 𝑅 = 41𝑅0.21
Intercept parameter
𝑁0 = 0.08 𝑐𝑚−4
103
Introduction of DSD
Ulbrich, 1983
Shape parameter
𝑁 𝐷 = 𝑁0 𝐷𝜇 exp(−Λ𝐷)
Intercept parameter Slope factor
(7 − 11 ) − ( 2 + 14 + 1)1/ 2

=
2( − 1)
1/ 2
M ( + 5) 
= 2   = M 42 /(M 2M 6 )
M 4 ( + 3) 
M n  +n +1
N0 =
( + n + 1) M n = N 0 −(  +n +1)( + n + 1)
Harikumar et al., 2009, Atmospheric Research
104
Introduction of DSD
Example of observed DSD
Time Channel
Number concentration
105
Introduction of DSD
Examples of Z-R relation
Z-R relations Rain types Sources
Z=200R1.6 Stratiform Marshall-Palmer
Z=140R1.5 Drizzle Joss et al. (1970)
Z=500R1.5 Thunderstorm
Z=667R1.33 Leading Martner(1977)
Z=124R1.64 Center
Z=436R1.43 Trailing
Z=2000R2 Snow
Z=22500R1.17 Hail
Z=300R1.4 Default NEXRAD
Z=250R1.2 Tropical cyclone
106
Single POL. Reflectivity bias correction : Equidistance
➢ Start azimuth :
180
𝑆𝐴 = 𝛽 − 𝐴𝑛𝑔1 ×
𝜋
➢ End azimuth :
180
𝐸𝐴 = (𝛽 − 𝐴𝑛𝑔1 + 2 × 𝐴𝑛𝑔1 ) ×
𝜋
𝑑𝑟
𝐴𝑛𝑔1 = acos(0.5 × )
𝑟𝑐
𝑑𝑟 = 76.9 𝑘𝑚, 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑠
𝑟𝑐 = 100 𝑘𝑚, 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠
107
Single POL. Reflectivity bias correction : Overlapping area
108
Single POL. Reflectivity bias correction : Disdrometer
109
DSD retrieval from polarimetric radar
110
Classification of rainfall types
Ref. texture by Steiner et al. DSD retrieval from radar
111
References
1. Prof. Matthew R. Kumjian’s Seminar materials
2. Seminar, lecture, and scientific reports from WRC, KMA
3. WDTD at NOAA (NWS\OCLO Warning Decision Training Division: RAC Course
Outline (weather.gov)): Radar beam characteristics, Weather radar equation,
Transmitting and Receiving characteristics, Non-standard beam consequences
4. Cheolhwan You and other’s published papers
112
Thank you for your listening
113

Radar Basic and Principle by CHYOU For Students

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Radar Basic and Principle by CHYOU For Students

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2022 Weather Radar Data Utilization for Meteorological Services

Weather radar basics and

Atmospheric Environmental Research Institute,

Cheol Hwan You (youch@pknu.ac.kr)

▪ Weather radar observation principle

> 100 mm/h > 200 mm/h > 300 mm/h

Year Year Year

2014.8.25. Time : 1min

Courtesy of Prof. Kumjian

Courtesy of Prof. Kumjian

Courtesy of Prof. Kumjian

Power and frequency

Klystron Courtesy of WRC

Main lobe • Transmit radar signal into atmosphere

Antenna gain G=10log10(P1/P2)

Courtesy of Dr. Lee

W Courtesy of Dr. Choongki Lee E

Reflectivity Radial Velocity Spectrum Width SQI

ZDR ΦDP KDP ρHV Courtesy of Dr. Lee

① Beam width: Radar beam width is defined by the half-power points

▪ Pulse width is related to the

▪ Beam width is related to the

Short pulse : 1 μs 1 μs = 3×108 m/s×10-6 s = 300m Range resolution = cτ/2=150m

Beam width : 1.0 degree

Size Shape State Concentration

Occurs when intercepting target is small compared to wavelength of radar beam

Results in linear relationship between power return and target size

KMA radar (around 10 cm wavelength)

Occurs when intercepting target is similar in size compared to wavelength of radar

Results in oscillating relationship between power return and target size

KMA radar (around 10 cm wavelength)

and the ability of incident radiation to excite dipoles in the material:

Example values at S band at T = 0 °C:

Adapted from Skolnik

• Beam width is determined at the point at which the power along

2. Beam width is determined by the point where the peak transmitted

4. Power density is directly related to and inversely related to .

1) Rayleigh discovered radar could be used for weather detection while

Weather Radar Equation

• Average power returned to the radar 𝑃ത𝑟

• The higher the average power return,

What increases 𝑃ത𝑟 ?

Sensitivity: Ability of radar to

• The radar constant is a collection of parameters about a specific radar

• Calibration keeps these radar constants within acceptable limits

• |K|2 is largely dependent on composition of a target ( equation

• |K|2 is much lower for ice (0.197) so our equation UNDERESTIMATES

• R represents the range to a target

• Power decreases with increasing distance (Decrease in power=distance

② Equation assumes entire radar beam is uniformly filled with targets.

③ Equation assumes no loss of power (i.e. no “attenuation”).

Transmitting & receiving characteristics impact accurate:

• Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)

The number of pulses sent out by the radar per second

• Pulse Repetition Time (PRT)

• Maximum Unambiguous Range (Rmax)

• Maximum Unambiguous Velocity (Vmax)

The maximum speed a target needs to move before reaching the

The length of time spent transmitting a pulse

Longer pulse duration = more power density (a.k.a sensitivity)

Short pulse Long pulse

…receives signals scattered