Weather Radar Fundamentals

This week, you will view an online module from COMET.

Overview: This 2-hour module presents the fundamental principles of Doppler weather radar operation and how to interpret common weather phenomena using radar imagery. This is accomplished via conceptual animations and many interactive radar examples in which the user can practice interpreting both radar reflectivity and radar velocity imagery. Although intended as an accelerated introduction to understanding and using basic Doppler weather radar products, the module can also serve as an excellent refresher for more experienced users.

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Explain the basic principles of weather radar operation
Describe the primary uses and limitations of radar data as well as factors that affect data quality and interpretation
Interpret wind speed and direction using Doppler radial velocity imagery
Interpret precipitation intensity and movement using radar reflectivity imagery
Use radar imagery to identify phenomena that commonly occur during otherwise fair weather including dust storms, smoke, horizontal convective rolls, fronts, and other boundaries
Use radar imagery to identify common features of precipitating phenomena, such as winter storms, convection, and tropical cyclones
Use radar imagery to identify instances of anomalous propagation, velocity and range folding, non-meteorological targets, and other radar artifacts

To access the module, simply click on the hyperlink above or go to:

https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=960#.W2G-_S2ZPUJ