Dual-Polarization Radar Training for NWS Partners
Introduction
Between now and the Spring of 2013, the entire fleet of WSR-88Ds (Weather Surveillance Radar -1988 Doppler) is scheduled for a major software and hardware upgrade. This upgrade, known as dual-polarization technology, will greatly enhance these radars by providing the ability to collect data on the horizontal and vertical properties of weather (e.g., rain, hail) and non-weather (e.g., insect, ground clutter) targets. The Radar Operations Center has made the Deployment Schedule available, but keep in mind that the schedule may change over time. The NOAA Communications and External Affairs Office has put together a list of frequently asked questions about dual-polarization technology that may help NWS partners better understand the benefits of this upgrade.
In support of this technology upgrade, WDTB has developed on-line training to help NWS partners learn about the system changes and provide ideas on how they might effectively incorporate these new data into their decision making process. Two different training paths are available depending on your meteorology background:
Training for Non-NWS Meteorologists:
To support trained meteorologists outside the NWS, on-line lessons from the Dual-Polarization Operations Course for NWS forecasters have been made available. These lessons, as well as an introduction on all the material, are available in a streaming format that uses Adobe Flash Player and can be viewed using the links below. We recommend that students attempt these lessons no more than 3 months prior to the installation of dual-polarization technology at their local WSR-88D site.
Overview Lesson:
Product Lessons:
Application Lessons:
Tools:
Storm of the Month Archived Webinars:
Training for the Non-Meteorologists:
The following lessons were developed to help non-meteorologists who rely on WSR-88D data to make weather-related decisions. These lessons are available in a streaming format that uses Adobe Flash Player and can be viewed using the links below. We recommend that students attempt these lessons no more than 1 month prior to the installation of dual-polarization technology at their local WSR-88D site.
|
A bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce 
