| |
WSR-88D Weather Surveillance Radar Summary: The National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Surveillance Radar (WSR) 88D is a Doppler radar. In addition to obtaining intensity and location of cells, the WSR-88D makes use of the Doppler shift to determine radial velocities (that is direction toward or away from the radar) of individual cells. In velocity display mode, the WSR-88D is capable of determining significant wind shear as one might find in the tightly rotating column of a tornadic storm. By using the intensity mode and velocity mode together, users can determine much more information about a storm than was capable with previous radars. Mesoscale rotations which typically indicate intense thunderstorms are discernable in the velocity mode, and this enhances forecast leadtimes for the onset of severe weather. Over 75 weather products are available. Since 1988 the NWS has been operating WSR-88D radar sites, and new sites continue to be constructed. Characteristics of the WSR-88D radar are as follows:
Power Output 50 kW
Wavelength 10.3-11.1 cm(S band)
Beamwidth 0.88-0.96 degrees
Antenna Diameter 28 feet
Minimum Reflectivity -28 dBZ
Display Levels 15
Data Collected Reflectivity Radial Velocity, Spectrum Width
Document Information:
Citation: Document Curator:
|