training course on weather radar systems - RTC, Regional Training ...

MODULE A- INTRODUCTION TO RADAR
Training materials have been prepared as a set of 6 (six) separate modules. But modules are directly
related to each other for completion of the topics covered by <strong>training</strong> <strong>course</strong>. Modules supplement
each other.
It is very obvious that, as being our first <strong>training</strong> <strong>course</strong> and first <strong>training</strong> documents regarding
radars in English, those <strong>training</strong> documents, most probably, will be in need of reviewed and
modified in some topics. Whoever makes any comment, recommendations and corrections will be
highly appreciated. We think those invaluable contributions will pave our way for further activities.
1.2. A few words on weather radars
To watch the atmosphere and the weather phenomena occurred is getting more and more important
for the developing world. To be able to meet the meteorological requirements of the developing
world, it is very obvious that there is a necessity for the provision of accurate and timely weather
observations which will be the essential input of weather forecasts and numerical weather
prediction models, research studies on climate and climate change, sustainable development,
environment protection, renewable energy sources, etc. All outputs and products of any system are
input dependant. So, accuracy, reliability and efficiency of the products of any meteorological study
will depend on its input: Observation.
It is vital to observe the weather and to make weather prediction timely especially for severe
weather conditions to be able to warn the public in due <strong>course</strong>. One of the most important and
critical instruments developed and offered by the modern technology for observing weather and
early warning systems are weather radars. It would not be a wrong comment to say that radar is the
only and essential sensor which can provide real time and accurate information on hazardous
weather phenomena such as strong wind, heavy precipitation and hail in large scale area.
Doppler and wind profiling radars are proving to be extremely valuable in providing data of highresolution
in both space and, especially in the lower layers of the atmosphere. Doppler radars are
used extensively as part of national, and increasingly of regional networks, mainly for short range
forecasting of severe weather phenomena. Particularly useful is the Doppler radar capability of
making wind measurements and estimates of rainfall amounts. Wind profiler radars are especially
useful in making observations between balloon-borne soundings, and have great potential as a part
of integrated observing networks.
TURKEY RADAR TRAINING 1.0 / ALANYA 2005 3