Validity of Dual-Polarization Radar Estimates of Planetary Boundary Layer Depth with Range from Radar

The planetary boundary layer (PBL) is the lowest layer of the atmosphere and is directly influenced by the surface. Therefore, being able to readily measure this layer has important implications for processes and parameters such as air turbulence, air quality, and development of the cloud layer. The depth of this layer is also associated with the dispersion of wildfires, plumes, and hazardous materials. Historically, the PBL has widely been measured by vertical profiles of temperature and moisture generated from radiosondes. With the upgrade of the NEXRAD radar network to dual-polarization capabilities, new methods for ascertaining the PBL via quasi-vertical profiles (QVPs) have been developed and implemented. By comparing the QVPs with the collected radiosonde data, the validity of this method has been proven at ranges close to the radar. The purpose of this study is to determine the viability in using NEXRAD radar QVPs to measure the height of the PBL at locations that are farther down range from the radar. To substantiate this hypothesis, the height of the PBL derived from radiosonde data collected at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, MD will be compared with radar derived PBL heights from QVPs at the two National Weather Service radar sites (KLWX in Sterling, VA and KDOX in Ellendale, DE). Each radar site is approximately 90 km from USNA.