Abstract: The complex topography of the western United States (US) poses a significant challenge in developing physically realistic and spatially accurate estimates of precipitation using remote sensing techniques. The intricate landscape presents a challenging observing environment for radar systems of various wavelengths. This is further compounded by the complex microphysical processes during the cool season which are influenced by coastal air-sea interactions, as well as orographic effects within the interior regions of the West. The placement and density of operational National Weather Service (NWS) radars (popularly known as NEXRAD or WSR-88D) has a challenge in meeting the needs for watershed and water resource management in the western US due to the complex terrain of the region. Consequently, areas like the San Francisco Bay Area could use enhanced precipitation monitoring, both in terms of rate and type, along watersheds and surrounding rivers and streams. However, it is crucial to monitor and predict water inputs into the western hydrological cycle because fresh water is an increasingly scarce resource, and effective management and prediction of flooding and drought have a direct economic impact on almost all aspects of society. Shorter wavelength radars such as X-Band systems are able to augment the WSR-88D network, to observe the lower atmosphere with higher temporal and spatial resolution. This study investigates and documents the challenges of precipitation monitoring by radars over complex terrain and provides advanced and effective solutions for accurate quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) using both WSR-88D and the gap-filling X-Band radar systems over the Bay Area on the US West Coast, with a focus on the cool season.

Adviser: Prof. V. Chandrasekar
Co-Adviser: NA
Non-ECE Member: Prof. Susan James, MECH
Member 3: Prof. Margaret Cheney, ECE
Addional Members: Dr. Steven Gooch, ECE

Publications:
Please contact the student for a full publication list.

Program of Study:
ECE 581A6
ECE 580B4
ECE 742
ECE 795
ECE 799
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