A Radar Reflectivity and Echo Top Climatology for the CONUS (2000–2011)

The MYRORSS data set contains reflectivity data at multiple vertical levels and include composite reflectivity and reflectivity at lowest altitude data. While reflectivity derivatives are most useful for severe weather and hydrometeorological applications, the base reflectivity data can provide insight into data quality issues. Specifically, base reflectivity data may help identify areas where localized beam blockages and beam geometries are not properly sampled by radar even within a multi-radar framework. This presentation will explore multiple reflectivity products and combine some of the reflectivity analyses with echo top products to better understand the radar reflectivity climatology and data quality issues.