Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering

Graduate Exam Abstract

Delbert Willie
Ph.D. Final
Mar 13, 2015, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
ENGRG B214
Radar Multi-Sensor Quantitative Precipitation Estimation
Abstract: The establishment of quantitative
precipitation estimation (QPE) continues
to be one of the principal objectives for
weather researchers and forecasters.
The ability of radar to measure broad
spatial areas in short temporal
successions encourages its application
in the pursuit of accurate rainfall
estimation, where radar reflectivity-
rainfall (Z-R) relations have been
traditionally used to derive quantitative
precipitation estimation. The purpose of
this effort is to present the organization
of a regional dual polarization QPE
process known as the RAdar Multi-
Sensor QPE (RAMS QPE). This scheme
applies the unique dual polarimetric
radar rain rate estimation algorithms
developed at Colorado State University
into an adaptable QPE system. The
methodologies used to combine
individual radar scans and then merge
them into a mosaic are described. The
implementation and evaluation is
performed over a domain that occurs
within a complex terrain environment,
such that local radar coverage is
compromised by blockage. This area of
interest is concentrated around the
Pigeon River Basin near Asheville, NC. In
this mountainous locale, beam blockage,
beam overshooting, orographic
enhancement, and the unique climactic
conditions complicate the development
of reliable QPE’s from radar. The derived
QPE precipitation fields evaluated in this
analysis will stem from the dual
polarimetric radar data obtained from the
local NWS WSR-88DP radars as well as
the NASA NPOL research radar.
Adviser: Dr. Chandrasekar
Co-Adviser: N/A
Non-ECE Member: Dr. Paul Mielke
Member 3: Dr. Anura Jayasumana
Addional Members: Dr. Branislav Notaros
Publications:
“Evaluation Of Multisensor Quantitative Precipitation Estimation In The Russian River Basin”, Inter-national Weather Radar and Hydrology Symposium, Reston, VA, USA, April. 2014.

“Assessment of Multi-Sensor Quantitative Precipitation in the Russian River Basin”, AMS 36th Conference on Radar Meteorology, Breckenridge, CO, USA, Sept. 2013.

“Evaluation of Multi-Sensor Quantitative Precipitation Estimation Methodologies”, International Geo-science and Remote Sensing Symposium, Melbourne, Australia, July 2013.

“Two-Year Assessment of Nowcasting Performance in the CASA System”, International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, Vancouver, Canada, July 2011.

“Attenuation Margin Requirements in a Networked Radar System for Observation of Precipitation”, International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, Cape Town, South Africa, July 2009.

“Operational Evaluation of the Real-Time Attenuation Correction System for CASA IP1 Testbed”, AMS 33rd Conference on Radar Meteorology, Cairns, Australia, Aug., 2007.

“Attenuation Statistics for X-Band Radar Design”, International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, Seoul, South Korea, July 2005
Program of Study:
ST 511
EE 581
EE 520
EE 641
EE 642
EE 742
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