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Graduate Exam Abstract


Sean Zhang

M.S. Final
July 6, 2011, 3:00 PM
Engr B103
CASA Real-Time Multi-Doppler Retrieval System

Abstract: Doppler synthesis of 3D wind products is of great
practical importance to observing and
understanding severe weather features such as
tornadoes and microbursts. It becomes very
effective for severe weather events if this
modeling can be performed in real-time. A real-
time multi-Doppler retrieval system forms an
important product of modern weather radar
networks. Challenging constraints exists between
computing performance, high data resolution, and
other quality issues. This Thesis describes the
implementation of the operational Real-time Multi-
Doppler Retrieval System (R-MDRS) of the Center
for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the
Atmosphere Engineering Research Center (CASA ERC).
The R-MDRS is seamlessly integrated into CASA's
Distributed Collaborative Adaptive Sensing (DCAS)
operational framework and exhibit robust
performance that strikes balance between high
resolution and real-time processing speeds. A
detailed technical description of the CASA R-MDRS
implementation is given, including design approach
that builds around two core components of the
tool: interpolation to a common grid and Doppler
synthesis. The R-MDRS generates 3D Wind products
in step with network scanning modes and has been
effective at detecting convective cells and
tornadic activities. Data from 2009 and 2010
weather events are presented and analyzed for
evaluating processing time as well as factors that
effect data accuracy. These factors include Dual-
Doppler candidate pair selection, advection
correction, and variations in wind calculation
techniques.


Adviser: V. Chandrasekar
Co-Adviser: N/A
Non-ECE Member: Paul W. Mielke, Jr., Statistics
Member 3: Anura P. Jayasumana, Electrical Engineering
Addional Members: V.N. Bringi,N/A

Publications:
Chandrasekar, V., M. Martinez, S. Zhang, CASA dual-doppler system. IGARSS 2010: 4138-4141


Program of Study:
EE512
EE514
EE520
EE549
EE656
EE742
ST525
ECE699