Principles and applications of dual-polarization weather radar. Part II: Warm- and cold-season applications

Abstract

In this second part of the series, an overview of applications of polarimetric radar observations is given. This includes a summary of improvements to data quality, and interpretation of signatures and output of algorithms for observations made in warm-and cold-season precipitation. Examples of operational products include hydrometeor classification, hail detection and sizing, and quantitative precipitation estimation. Signatures reviewed include those found in severe convective storms and supercells such as differential reflectivity (Z DR ) columns, Z DR arcs, and tornadic debris. The melting layer bright band, snow crystal identification and growth regions, and transition of precipitation type in cold-season storms also are discussed. The emphasis is on the current state of our knowledge, as well as ongoing and future research topics that offer promising benefits to operational meteorology.