Radar Interpretation
Goal
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of radar interpretation including a basic use of the Unified Radar Processor (URP) software.
Objective 2.1
Interpret radar data available in Canadian forecast offices in an operational setting.
Enabling Objectives
1. Access standard displays of radar reflectivities such as CAPPI or PPI using the URP viewer
2. Given a standard display of radar reflectivities such as a CAPPI or PPI distinguish the following from precipitation signals.
· ground clutter (and sea clutter)
· clear air echoes
· biological returns
· anthropogenic returns (planes, RF interference, etc)
3. Describe the interpretation problems caused by the following specific effects and be able to compensate for them when they occur:
· fraction of a filled beam
· precipitation gradient and beam volume
· target distance from radar
· second trip echoes
· refraction of the beam
3. Infer the vertical wind profile using Doppler radial velocity data
4. Identify or infer synoptic scale meteorological features or processes with radar such as but not limited to
· warm and cold fronts
· thermal advections
· freezing levels
· freezing precipitation
· bright bands
· warm and cold conveyor belts
· changes in cloud such as, but not limited to, the transition from water to ice cloud, cloud tops, etc.
5. Identify or infer meso-scale meteorological features or processes with radar such as but not limited to
· meso-cyclones
· convergence and divergence
· gust fronts and squall lines
· micro-bursts
· sea and land breeze fronts
· low level jets
· precipitation banding
· BWER
· hail size using both the US and Australian algorithm
· wind gusts using wdraft algorithm or velocity shear
· new features like upper level BWER
· high POD/high FAR issues
6. Describe non-precipitation applications of radar such as:
· Variational Doppler Radar Assimilation System (VDRAS)
· Clear air returns
· Wind profiling
7. Describe the role that the cloud microphysics plays in what is seen on the radar and vice-versa