Novel Ways to See More: Using Dual-Polarisation Doppler Weather Radar Observations to Improve Our Understanding of Winter Weather

"In this project, the successful applicant will use dual-polarisation Doppler radars to make novel polarimetric observations of hydrometeors in wintertime storms. The focus of the analysis will be applied toward improving our fundamental understanding the evolution of these hydrometeors. The results of this primary analysis will be then used to the improving the microphysical representation of cold cloud processes a numerical weather prediction models (such as the Met Office’s UKV) and the operational use of polarimetric variables in short-term forecasting.

To accomplish this, the student will be first trained how to collect and utilize observations from the state-of-the-art NCAS mobile dual-polarisation Doppler X-band radar located at the University Leeds. Also, the student will also be expected to utilize other polarimetric radar observations in coordination with the international community. Specifically, this will include data from the Met Office’s newly upgraded dual-polarisation Doppler C-band radar network and the USA’s dual-polarisation Doppler S-band radar network (NEXRAD) that will be obtained through supervisor’s contacts as the Met Office and NOAA. This national and international involvement will provide the student opportunities to travel to and work with other world leading experts in radar meteorology.

The analysis of these observations will focus on the investigation and evaluation of the use of polarimetric radar variables to discern the types and distributions of hydrometeors within winter storms using a hydrometeor classification algorithm. Using the results of this investigation, the student will evaluate the representation of cold cloud microphysics a state-of-the-art numerical weather prediction model (model runs and data to be provided by the supervisor’s Met Office partners) and suggest novel ways of improving the use of real-time radar data operational meteorologists forecasting wintertime weather events. Thus, this project will provide a high level of specialist scientific training in: (i) Deploying state-of-the-art radar instrumentation to collect polarimetric observations of cloud microphysical processes; (ii) cutting edge analysis and application of polarimetric Doppler radar observations; (iii) Sophisticated radiative transfer (with an emphasis on polarization and scattering processes); (iv) Comparison of radar derived geophysical parameters to forecast models; (v) planning and executing measurement campaigns.

A unique aspect of this project is that the student will have the opportunity to directly work with state-of-the-art radar instrumentation. The student will learn how to deploy, operate, collect, quality check and deliver final data products (i.e. the student will learn the entire process of collecting radar observations) the NCAS X-band radar. This will be done in conjunction with several ongoing field experiments."

http://www.nercdtp.leeds.ac.uk/projects/index.php?id=545