Total scan: a full volume scanning strategy

The integration of radar measurements into mesoscale data assimilation systems demands both complete coverage and excellent data quality. We propose to extend actual volume scanning strategies, typically scanning at elevations ranging from 0.5 to 20°, by adding a few high-elevation PPI (40-80°) and an antenna revolution at vertical incidence. These additional scans provide the benefits of the common volume scan, of a wind profiler as well as of vertically pointing radar with all the microphysical information contained in the Doppler velocity and Doppler spectra. Examples of all these products will be presented.

Another key feature of the additional scans is real-time data calibration and quality monitoring. Azimuth dependent biases and an offset in antenna elevation are diagnosed. Total scan also offers great potential for future applications such as real time ZDR calibration at vertical incidence, from measurement at different elevations and from its relation with Doppler velocity.

Total scan is currently being implemented on McGill's operational S-band radar. Other than being interesting as such, the total scan provides additional information to the Mesocale Analysis System.