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Polarimetric Doppler Radar
THE BENEFITS OF POLARIMETRIC RADAR
NSSL conducted the Joint Polarization Experiment (JPOLE) in 2002-2003 to demonstrate the operational capabilities of the polarimetric KOUN. During JPOLE, data were delivered in "real-time" to the NWS and other users. NSSL scientists aided in the data interpretation. JPOLE proved that significant improvements in rainfall estimation, precipitation classification, data quality and weather hazard detection were possible using polarized radar. The impacts of polarimetric radar could be as significant as the nationwide upgrade to Doppler radar in the 1980's, providing measurable benefits to...
Meteorologists:
- Polarimetric radar can significantly improve the accuracy of the estimates of amounts of precipitation
- Polarimetric radar can tell the difference between very heavy rain and hail, which will improve flash flood watches and warnings
- Polarimetric radar can identify types of precipitation in winter weather forecasts, improving forecasts of liquid water equivalent or snow depth
- Polarimetric radar data is more accurate than conventional radar, saving the forecasters the step of having to verify radar data
- Increased confidence in polarimetric radar data can contribute to increased lead time in flash flood and winter weather hazard warnings.
Hydrologists:
- Polarimetric radar provides critical rainfall estimation information for stream flow forecasts and river flooding
- Polarimetric radar could be useful in water management
Aviation users:
- Polarimetric radar detects aviation hazards such as birds
- Polarimetric radar can detect aircraft icing conditions
Society:
- Polarimetric radar has the potential to save the public $690,000,000 annually by improving precipitation estimation
- Polarimetric radar can improve forecasts and warnings and reduce the impact of hazardous weather on our national transportation
- Polarimetric radar better equips forecasters to issue accurate warnings and in turn helps the public make wiser decisions about our safety
