The Impact of Range Oversampling Processing on Tornado Velocity Signatures Obtained from WSR-88D Super-Resolution Data.
Authors: Torrres, S.M. and Curtis, C.D.
Journal: Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology
Publication Date: Online 7/28/15
Important Conclusions:
Researchers applied “range oversampling,” a technique that cuts radar update times in half while increasing the accuracy of the data, to WSR-88D super-resolution data. WSR-88D super-resolution data allows for improved detection of weaker and more distant tornadoes by providing an enhancement of the tornadic vortex signature. In this work, researchers used simulations to determine that the benefits of range-oversampling processing outweigh the relatively small degradation to the range resolution. It was shown that this process can contribute to the tornado warning decision process by improving forecaster confidence in the radar data.
Significance:
The paper quantifies the impact of range oversampling on super-resolution data. This is important in the context of research-to-operations since range oversampling is scheduled for future operational implementation on the WSR-88D.