Radar Meteorology

I have a strong interest in radar meteorology, particularly in applications of dual-polarization radar data.

The nationwide network of weather surveillance radars (WSR-88Ds) have been recently upgraded to have dual-polarization capabilities. This means that the radars now simultaneously transmit electromagnetic waves at horizontal and vertical polarizations:

Cartoon illustrating the propagation of orthogonally polarized waves. From Kumjian (2013).

Cartoon illustrating the propagation of orthogonally polarized waves. From Kumjian (2013).

This allows us to obtain information about the sizes, shapes, and composition of particles in the atmosphere. For a review of the principles and applications of polarimetric weather radars, see:

Kumjian, M.R., 2018: Weather radars. Remote Sensing of Clouds and Precipitation, Constantine Andronache, Ed., Springer, 282 pp. Find it here.

Kumjian, M.R., 2013: Principles and applications of dual-polarization weather radar. Part 1: Description of the polarimetric radar variables. Journal of Operational Meteorology1(19), 226-242pdf

Kumjian, M.R., 2013: Principles and applications of dual-polarization weather radar. Part 2: Warm and cold season applications. Journal of Operational Meteorology1(20), 243-264pdf

Kumjian, M.R., 2013: Principles and applications of dual-polarization weather radar. Part 3: Artifacts. Journal of Operational Meteorology1(21), 265-274pdf