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An evaluation of NEXRAD precipitation estimates in complex terrain
Young, Bryan Nelson, Brian R. Bradley, A. Allen Smith, James A. Peters-Lidard, Christa D. Kruger, Anton Baeck, Mary Lynn
Young, Bryan
Nelson, Brian R.
Bradley, A. Allen
Smith, James A.
Peters-Lidard, Christa D.
Kruger, Anton
Baeck, Mary Lynn
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Abstract
Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) precipitation estimates are used for hydrological, meteorological, and climatological studies at a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. The utility of radar-based precipitation estimates in such applications hinges on an understanding of the sources and magnitude of estimation error. This study examines precipitation estimation in the complex mountainous terrain of the northern Appalachian Mountains. Hourly digital precipitation (HDP) products for two WSR-88D radars in New York state are evaluated for a 2-year period. This analysis includes evaluation of range dependence and spatial distribution of estimates, radar intercomparisons for the overlap region, and radar-gage comparisons. The results indicate that there are unique challenges for radar-rainfall estimation in mountainous terrain. Beam blockage is a serious problem that is not corrected by existing NEXRAD algorithms. Underestimation and nondetection of precipitation are also significant concerns. Improved algorithms are needed for merging estimates from multiple radars with spatially variable biases.
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This is the published version. Copyright 1999 American Geophysical Union
Date
1999-08-27
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American Geophysical Union
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Young, C. Bryan, Brian R. Nelson, A. Allen Bradley, James A. Smith, Christa D. Peters-Lidard, Anton Kruger, and Mary Lynn Baeck. "An Evaluation of NEXRAD Precipitation Estimates in Complex Terrain." J. Geophys. Res. Journal of Geophysical Research 104.D16 (1999): 19691. http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/1999JD900123