WSR-88D Applications to Volcanic Ash Detection

摘要

Volcanic eruptions are an increasingly important hazard to aviation. Previous meteorological radars have been able to detect volcanic ash clouds for a short period of time after an eruption because of the low particle reflectivities and small particle size. The increased sensitivity and Doppler capability may allow discrimination of volcanic features by changes in index of refraction and Bragg scattering in addition to particle scattering; level-II archives will encourage use of the WSR-88D for research. Discussion of WSR-88D operations prior to an eruption is needed to insure that optimal product choices and volume coverage patterns are made during such a chaotic event.