P3.2
Prototype products for ground validation in the GPM-era
David A. Marks, NASA/GSFC and SSAI, Greenbelt, MD; and D. B. Wolff and D. S. Silberstein
Through the use of a dual-polarized radar (KPOL), disdrometer, and rain gauges located at Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands, production is underway to develop prototype products to improve ground validation (GV) and rainfall estimation efforts. These efforts include the following: 1) quality control of raw radar data (e.g. removal of non-precipitating echoes, calibration correction, differential phase unfolding); 2) instantaneous rain rate estimation using a dual-polarization multi-parameter approach; and, 3) mapping three-dimensional structure of precipitating systems with hydrometeor identification (rain, ice, graupel, etc.). This effort will provide improved data for rain estimates and rain climatology, minimize manual input in the data production stream, and assist in the development of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)-era GV program where it is expected that dual-polarization radars will be readily available at most or all GV sites. It is anticipated that these prototype products will be generated on a routine basis in an operational mode, providing a comprehensive database for comparison to Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), GPM and other satellite estimates. While the methodology for development of such applications is well documented, tuning of specific algorithms to the particular regime and observed drop size distributions requires a comprehensive testing and adjustment period to ensure high quality products. The initial focus of this effort is on algorithm development for quality control and rain intensity using dual-polarimetric fields. Calibrated reflectivity will be compared against a statistical calibration approach developed by the TRMM Satellite Validation Office. An attempt will be made to independently validate rainfall estimation against the existing rain gauge network at Kwajalein.
Poster Session 3, Validation of Hydrometeorological Observations
Wednesday, 23 January 2008, 2:30 PM-4:00 PM, Exhibit Hall B
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