Examining the Improved Volumetric Update Rates Afforded by Dual-Polarization Phased Array Radar

The Advanced Technology Demonstrator (ATD) is a dual-polarization phased array radar (PAR) located in Norman, OK. ATD has been used to collect novel dual-polarization PAR observations in a variety of convective scenarios in 2023 ranging from a rain-to-sleet precipitation transition event to severe hail storms and tornadoes. As the National Weather Service evaluates options for the future radar network in the United States, the ATD has and is continuing to collect a variety of observations to examine the benefits of PAR as a potential successor to the WSR-88Ds. A variety of volume coverage patterns (VCPs) have been developed to target differing weather threats such as refreezing signatures in winter and monitoring hail growth and fallout in severe multi- and single-cell convection. Although currently operator specified, these VCPs mimic adaptive scanning techniques that can be leveraged by PARs. This presentation will overview winter weather data collected on 30 January 2023 and hail observations collected on 10 April 2023. Through data denial or direct comparison with data from a co-located WSR-88D, particular attention will be paid to enhancements of vertical spatiotemporal resolution and data quality afforded by ATD dual-polarization observations with both operational- and research-based applications in mind.