![]() Since hail can cause the rainfall estimates to be higher than what is actually occurring, steps are taken to prevent these high dBZ values from being converted to rainfall. Hail is a good reflector of energy and will return very high dBZ values. These values are estimates of the rainfall per hour, updated each volume scan, with rainfall accumulated over time. Depending on the type of weather occurring and the area of the U.S., forecasters use a set of rainrates which are associated to the dBZ values. The higher the dBZ, the stronger the rainrate. Typically, light rain is occurring when the dBZ value reaches 20. The scale of dBZ values is also related to the intensity of rainfall. The value of the dBZ depends upon the mode the radar is in at the time the image was created. Notice the color on each scale remains the same in both operational modes, only the values change. ![]() The other scale (near left) represents dBZ values when the radar is in precipitation mode (dBZ values from 5 to 75). One scale (far left) represents dBZ values when the radar is in clear air mode (dBZ values from -28 to +28). Each reflectivity image you see includes one of two color scales. The dBZ values increase as the strength of the signal returned to the radar increases. So, a more convenient number for calculations and comparison, a decibel (or logarithmic) scale (dBZ), is used. Reflectivity (designated by the letter Z) covers a wide range of signals (from very weak to very strong). "Reflectivity" is the amount of transmitted power returned to the radar receiver. Wavelength (frequency): 10.5 cm (2.The colors are the different echo intensities (reflectivity) measured in dBZ (decibels of Z) during each elevation scan. Latest ADRAD Scans ADRAD Raw Data Other ADRAD Products ADRAD Specifications When operational, the latest scans and raw data available for realtime viewing and interrogation in external software from ADRAD are available to the public. ![]() In addition to the educational and research mission of ADRAD, it continues to provide a vital public service through the public dissemination of radar data. ADRAD has also served as the focal point of the high-impact learning experience, the Student Operational ADRAD Project (SOAP), where ADRAD has been used to provide research data for publications and undergraduate student projects presented at regional and national conferences. The Aggie Doppler Radar (ADRAD) is the only on-campus S-band, Doppler weather radar in the country, located on the roof of the Eller O&M building with a control station on the 12th floor. Over the intervening years, ADRAD has been upgraded with Doppler capability, digitized components and signal processors, and more advanced display capabilities.ĪDRAD is a prominent part of ATMO 443, an upper-level undergraduate radar meteorology course, where students learn to operate the radar, observe radar hardware in action, design and implement unique scanning strategies, as well as collect and explore ADRAD data in class assignments and projects. Following modifications to a radar which was used in 1956 to provide the first radar-based tornado warning in history (PDF), ADRAD was placed on the roof of the newly built Eller O&M Building in 1973. With hardware components dating over 50 years and new upgrades on a consistent basis, ADRAD represents an evolving link between the rich radar history of our department and our current educational and research goals. ADRAD is operated by students during periods of active weather in the area, often serving as a backup observation for local National Weather Service forecast offices. TAMU undergraduate and graduate students are trained in hands-on radar operations providing unparalleled undergraduate and graduate student access to a high-quality weather radar system. The Aggie Doppler Radar (ADRAD) is the only on-campus S-band, Doppler weather radar in the country, located on the roof of the Eller O&M building with a control station on the 12th floor.
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