Journal article
An evaluation of NEXRAD precipitation estimates in complex terrain
Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres, Vol.104(D16), pp.19691-19703
1999
DOI: 10.1029/1999JD900123
Abstract
Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) precipitation estimates are used for hydrological, meteorological, and climatological studies at a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. The utility of radar‐based precipitation estimates in such applications hinges on an understanding of the sources and magnitude of estimation error. This study examines precipitation estimation in the complex mountainous terrain of the northern Appalachian Mountains. Hourly digital precipitation (HDP) products for two WSR‐88D radars in New York state are evaluated for a 2‐year period. This analysis includes evaluation of range dependence and spatial distribution of estimates, radar intercomparisons for the overlap region, and radar‐gage comparisons. The results indicate that there are unique challenges for radar‐rainfall estimation in mountainous terrain. Beam blockage is a serious problem that is not corrected by existing NEXRAD algorithms. Underestimation and nondetection of precipitation are also significant concerns. Improved algorithms are needed for merging estimates from multiple radars with spatially variable biases.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- An evaluation of NEXRAD precipitation estimates in complex terrain
- Creators
- C. Bryan YoungBrian R Nelson - University of IowaA. Allen BradleyJames A SmithChrista D Peters-LidardAnton KrugerMary Lynn Baeck
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres, Vol.104(D16), pp.19691-19703
- DOI
- 10.1029/1999JD900123
- ISSN
- 0148-0227
- eISSN
- 2156-2202
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 1999
- Academic Unit
- Electrical and Computer Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9983991981402771
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