Extended Abstract (92K)12B.1
Evolution of Weather Surveillance Radars NSSL's Perspective
Dusan Zrnic, NOAA/NSSL, Norman, OK; and A. Zahrai
Latest technology and advanced signal processing allow significant improvements to be made on classical weather radars. NSSL has modified its research and development radar to test these in an orderly and gradual manner so that by the end of this decade an optimum hardware/software configuration, ready for operational application, emerges. The R&D radar has an IF digital receiver and powerful signal processor; in parallel with it a second channel will accommodate the latest system developed for the operational WSR-88D. Implementation of methods to mitigate range velocity ambiguities has begun. Further, the radar has dual polarization capability for which the same methods to mitigate the ambiguities will apply. Oversampling of signals in range will be used to reduce statistical errors of estimates. We submit that oversampled signals contain other useful but not yet explored information. Conflicting requirements, to early detect tornadoes and cancel ground clutter while rapidly covering the storm volume and mitigating range velocity ambiguities, impose compromises. We discuss these and suggest signal transmission/processing designs within volume coverage pattern so that the desired outcome is matched to the method and thus the compromises are minimized and utility of the radar is optimized.
Session 12B, Radar Systems/Network II
Monday, 11 August 2003, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
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