Data / Science Data Products / VAPs

CSAPR2-CMAC

C-SAPR2 Corrected Moments in Antenna Coordinates

Evaluation VAP

This value-added product (VAP) provides quality-controlled radar moments from the second-generation C-Band Scanning ARM Precipitation Radar (CSAPR2). A gate ID is provided for each data point that identifies the gate as rain, snow, melting precipitation, multi-trip echoes, clutter, or noise.

The VAP uses input from the a1-level (raw) or b1-level (calibrated) CSAPR2 data in addition to the regular radiosonde launches in the area. The users receive separate data files for every scan made from the CSAPR2. These files are in CfRadial 1.3 format to be compatible with most radar analysis software.

Researchers use this VAP for calibrated, quality-controlled radar moments in precipitating systems. The radar moments are used to provide precipitation estimates and hydrometeor identifications. In addition, the corrected velocities in CMAC are suitable for dynamical retrievals.

The velocity dealiasing algorithm sometimes fails in regions of isolated precipitation. We suggest using velocities in widespread regions of precipitation on the radar where this issue is not generally prevalent.