Doppler Radar
Conventional radars are effective in measuring precipitation through echoes and reflectivity, but are not as accurate in storm detection as the Doppler radar.
History
Radars aid in storm prediction
Until the 1980s, conventional radars were being used to measure precipitation to study weather patterns. In 1964, The National Severe Storms Laboratory began experimenting on the uses of the Doppler Effect on its radar, and the Doppler radar became a crucial tool in predicting and preparing for serious storms.
Function
Doppler radar can measure velocity of wind
Conventional radars can show the intensity of a storm, but only in regards to precipitation. The Doppler radar measures the speed and direction of the wind in addition to precipitation, and receives a more comprehensive view of a storm.
How They Work
Radars help us to prepare for severe storms
Conventional radars read precipitation by the intensity of its echo or reflectivity. The Doppler radar measures speed and direction rather than the intensity of a signal by using the principle of the Doppler shift.
Purpose
Tornadoes give off hook echoes
Conventional radars are helpful in predicting the intensity of precipitation. They also measure hook echoes and bow echoes, which indicate thunderstorms and, at times, tornadoes. However, a severe storm can occur without one of these signals, which is why the Doppler radar is more effective. It can measure tornado vortex signatures and wind shear, which the conventional radar cannot.
Problems with Conventional Radars
With the Doppler radar, we can better understand and be prepared for serious storms.
In addition to the fact that conventional radars do not detect wind velocity, they also misread by bouncing off matter that is not precipitation.
Tags: Doppler radar, Conventional radars, Doppler radar, conventional radars, Doppler radar measures
