Data / Science Data Products / VAPs

RWPPRECIPCOR

Radar Wind Profiler: Precipitation, corrected

Baseline VAP

The Radar Wind Profiler (RWP): Precipitation, corrected value-added product (RWPPRECIPCOR VAP) includes calibrated RWP reflectivity data in precipitation modes (vertically pointing), available in both short-duration, high-resolution and long-duration, low-resolution modes. Calibration of the radar reflectivity was performed based on co-located surface disdrometer measurements.

The VAP maps calibrated data from both resolution modes onto a unified time-height grid and merges the data sets based on signal-to-noise ratio and spectral width criteria. In addition, it includes initial quality control checks to remove spurious noise and performs preliminary checking for hydrometeor and cloud top status. These features collectively enhance the quality and usability of the RWP data, which will be used as an input to perform vertical air motion retrieval in clouds.

Scientists can use RWPPRECIPCOR data for precipitation-related studies. ARM uses RWPPRECIPCOR data in its Radar Wind Profiler: In-cloud Vertical Velocity Retrieval (RWPVERTVEL) VAP, which provides vertical velocity retrievals in deep convective clouds. RWPPRECIPCOR and RWPVERTVEL are both available for ARM’s Southern Great Plains atmospheric observatory in Oklahoma, and they may also be processed for other ARM sites if the RWP operates in vertically pointing mode at those locations.

To ask questions, provide feedback, or report data issues, please contact VAP developer Aifang Zhou and/or ARM interim translator Scott Giangrande.