32nd Conference on Broadcast Meteorology/31st Conference on Radar Meteorology/Fifth Conference on Coastal Atmospheric and Oceanic Prediction and Processes

Friday, 8 August 2003: 5:45 PM
Clear-air echo statistics and beam blockage patterns of Taiwan Doppler radar network
Pao-Liang Chang, Central Weather Bureau, Taipei, Taiwan; and B. S. Wang, S. L. Shieh, and B. J. D. Jou
Poster PDF (43.8 kB)
Clear-air echo statistics and beam blockage patterns of four S-band Doppler radars in Taiwan are documented in this study. By examining two years low-elevation-angle reflectivity data, five different types of clutter are identified, i.e., ground clutter, sea clutter, interference echo, anomalous propagation echo, and unaccounted-for echo. The statistics show these clear-air echoes exhibit strong either diurnal or seasonal characteristics. The possible relationships of these clear air echoes with the environmental conditions are also suggested. In additions, due to complex terrain features in Taiwan, the beam blockage patterns of these Doppler radars are also examined by using low-elevation-angle reflectivity data. The effective coverage of the radar echo data for each individual elevation angle is identified and is important for compositing radar reflectivity map.

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