Search

A method is proposed of adjusting the radar criteria for severe storms, taking into account the height of the minus 22 C isotherm, the minimum value of the maximum magnitude of the radar reflectivity in thunderstorms at the same level for a specific region, and the various types of homogeneous air masses in the air. Formulas for the criteria are presented which take into account specified errors of discrimination.

The available data on the space and time structure of the radio echoes from different clouds is examined. On the basis of their analysis, a basis is given for the optimal form of presentation and the operational quality of renewal of radar information used for operational purposes in ZGMO and the TGMTs.

The contribution to the total reflectivity of separate parts of a particle spectrum described by a gamma distribution is estimated. It is shown that the largest individual particles, whose percent concentration is 0.1 - 1, originate approximately 60 - 70% of the total reflectivity of the spectrum. Explanations are given of a number of effects which confirm the dominant role of large particles in the formation of the echo.

Several schemes for discriminating severe weather phenomena with the aid of different algorithms are examined. The schemes were tested on the same sample. A comparative estimate of the effectiveness of the different algorithms for classifying thunderstorms and showers is carried out.

Peculiarities of the radar information about clouds are examined in comparison with visual data. An objective radar classification is presented and the relation of it to the meteorological classification is shown. The advisability of storage and summarization of the primary radar data for regime purposes is substantiated.

The influence of pulse volume dimensions on the accuracy of reflectivity from various clouds is considered. It is shown that due to the spatial averaging and the inhomogeneities of the clouds, the dependence frequently breaks down, which is a cause of lower values of the spatial distribution estimate. Values of the corrections calculated for various conditions are presented.

The accuracy of using the Rayleigh approximation for the description of polydisperse diameters of backscattering water and ice spheres is examined. Calculations are carried out on the ratio of scattering diameters according to the Mie and Rayleigh formulas for the spectra of rain and dry and moist hailstones. The limits of applicability of the Rayleigh approximation for various wavelengths are shown.

The dependence is shown of the complete and simplified Y criteria on the instability energy E. Regression equations are presented of the relation of the criterial values of Y of severe hail and severe weather clouds with the variable E. The adjustment of Y according to the value of E calculated from the radiosonde data is recommended as one of the possible methods.

A derivation of the basic radar equation for clouds and precipitation is given that takes into account the antenna radiation pattern. The reasons for the differences in the equations used by various authors are demonstrated. More rigorous forms for writing down the basic equation are given.