Abstract

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has recently extended the observational capability of the S-band radar system (S-Pol) by adding a Ka-band (35 GHz) polarimetric radar. The Ka-band radar employs a dual channel receiver and can be configured for either HH and HV, or HH and VV pol... Show moreThe National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has recently extended the observational capability of the S-band radar system (S-Pol) by adding a Ka-band (35 GHz) polarimetric radar. The Ka-band radar employs a dual channel receiver and can be configured for either HH and HV, or HH and VV polarimetric measurements. The Ka-band and S-band antenna beams are matched and aligned, and timing signals for both systems are generated from GPS ensuring that a common resolution volume is sampled by both systems. This dual-wavelength capability provides the potential for retrieving liquid water content in Rayleigh scattering conditions, improving remote sensing of various precipitation types, and studies on cloud microphysics. The system was fielded three times in 2004: Winter Icing Storms Project 2004 (WISP), North American Monsoon Experiment (NAME), and Rain in Cummulus over the Ocean (RICO). This paper will present an overview of the Ka-band radar, and the capabilites and current performance of the dual-wavelength system through comparison of S- and Ka-band data recorded during WISP and RICO. Show less