Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-118
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-118
02 Aug 2024
 | 02 Aug 2024
Status: a revised version of this preprint was accepted for the journal AMT.

Quantitative Error Analysis on Polarimetric Phased Array Radar Weather Measurements to Reveal Radar Performance and Configuration Potential

Junho Ho, Zhe Li, and Guifu Zhang

Abstract. The initial weather measurements from two polarimetric phased array radars (PPAR) with cylindrical and planar configurations, both developed by the Advanced Radar Research Center (ARRC) at the University of Oklahoma (OU), were compared with those from the dish-antenna systems, the operational KTLX Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (~23 km northeast of OU). Both the cylindrical PPAR (CPPAR) and the planar PPAR (PPPAR) in Horus are S-band two-dimensional (2D) electronic scan PPAR. This comparison investigates the error statistics of the polarimetric measurements in one-dimensional (1D) electronic scan from each radar during two convective rain events. The first event occurred on 30 August 2019, when the CPPAR performed a 3.3° elevation plan-position indicator (PPI) scan at 25 azimuth angles. The second event took place on 4 October 2023, when Horus conducted range-height indicator (RHI) scans at 64 elevations. For both events, KTLX provided volumetric polarimetric radar data and served as the reference. To ensure temporal and spatial alignment between the radars, reconstructed RHI scans and PPI sectors from KTLX were matched to the corresponding Horus rays and CPPAR domain, respectively. The standard deviations and mean biases of the PPAR weather measurements were calculated and analyzed. The standard deviations of the two PPARs were similar and met the Radar Functional Requirements set by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Weather Service. However, as noted in previous studies, the standard deviation, and biases of polarimetric variables from Horus exhibited varying error characteristics depending on the electronic steering angle from broadside. The present results suggest that PPPARs may have difficulties in producing high-quality polarimetric data at large steering angles and further investigation on both CPPAR and 2D PPPAR is required to find the optimal design for future weather applications.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Junho Ho, Zhe Li, and Guifu Zhang

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on amt-2024-118', Jothiram Vivekanandan, 05 Oct 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Junho Ho, 10 Oct 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on amt-2024-118', Anonymous Referee #2, 07 Oct 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Junho Ho, 10 Oct 2024
Junho Ho, Zhe Li, and Guifu Zhang
Junho Ho, Zhe Li, and Guifu Zhang

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Short summary
This study quantitatively analyzes and compares weather measurements from planar (PPPAR) and cylindrical polarimetric phased array radars (CPPAR). It examines data quality, potential problems, and clarifies misunderstandings between the configurations. The findings highlight 2D PPPAR’s challenges in making accurate weather measurements when the beam steers off broadside. CPPAR shows promise in obtaining high-quality polarimetric data because of its azimuthal scan invariant beam characteristics.