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The Future of Weather Radar |
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Radar is one of the most valuable tools in a forecaster’s arsenal and NSSL continues to use ingenuity and creativity to push radar technology to the edge. Right now, NSSL researchers are exploring phased array radar technology once used on Navy ships. Results already show this technology can detect rapidly evolving weather phenomena such as tornadoes and microbursts, potentially extending warning lead times for severe weather. Phased array radars send out thousands of beams from a stationary antenna – a volume scan can take less than 30 seconds, compared with a minimum of 4 minutes with the NWS WSR-88D radars. NSSL researchers work with the phased array research radar, known as the National Weather Radar Testbed, located in Norman, Oklahoma. They have found the NWRT data collection capabilities provide improved resolution, accuracy and content of radar returns – all leading to improved detection of weather phenomena. Using the NWRT, NSSL scientists are also exploring using phased array radar for aircraft tracking and wind profiling simultaneously with weather surveillance. This concept of a multi-function phased array radar has great potential to meet the Nation’s weather, aviation, and homeland security needs. NSSL hosted national symposium on MPAR“Leveraging Technology for a Next-Generation National Radar System” was the theme for a pivotal symposium, sponsored by the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology and hosted by NSSL last fall. The MPAR symposium aimed to advance the state of MPAR research and development and to further document the needs of the radar user community, The symposium also highlighted the social and economic benefits from MPAR risk reduction research. Research with PAR Phased-array radar provides early detection of hazards Phased array radar data used by forecasters in
simulated warning environment PAR: Applications to landfalling tropical cyclones Weather radar originated from military technology. Similarly, the U.S. Navy offers its SPY-1 radar, a phased array radar, as another step in refining technology to warn the public of hazardous weather and help protect their lives and property. Related links: History
of Weather Radar
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6/16/08 |
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CLIMATE · OCEANS, GREAT LAKES, and COASTS · WEATHER
and AIR QUALITY |