Decision criteria for the classification of meteorological phenomena in the weather radar complex of the near-airfield zone

Abstract

The increasing need to obtain data on the meteorological situation to ensure the safety of aircraft flight actualizes the development of radar systems for remote collection and processing of information, including for solving the problems of classifying dangerous weather phenomena. This determined the primary development of the domestic weather radar complex of the near airfield zone (WR BZ). The article presents the features of the construction of the WR BZ, as well as the main tasks it solves. To classify meteorological phenomena from cloudiness to squall in the weather radar complex of the near airfield zone, it is proposed to take as a basis the criteria tested by weather radar stations of previous generations. These criteria are based on an analysis of the height distribution of reflectivity, taking into account the vertical temperature profile. In addition, a criterion for classifying thunderstorms in the cold period of time has been additionally introduced in the WR BZ. To calibrate the values of the criteria, a mathematical apparatus and special software were developed. To collect statistical data, WR BZ were installed in various climatic regions: the Central and North-Western Federal Districts and the Republic of Crimea. Further, an effective validation of the information received was carried out. At present, WR BZ has passed preliminary, acceptance, certification tests, trial operation, while demonstrating an effective classification of meteorological phenomena, thanks to the correct selection of decision criteria. The article considers the possibility of increasing the reliability and justification of the classification of dangerous meteorological phenomena through the additional use of information on the distribution of altitudes of the specific rate of dissipation of turbulent energy of the atmosphere, as well as an additional set of statistical data in various climatic zones of the European territory of Russia – the Upper Volga Region and the Krasnodar Region.

Keywords

• weather radar
• near-airfield zone
• dangerous weather phenomena
• testing
• certification
• validation of meteorological data
• decision criterion
• classification of weather phenomena