Objective
Meteorological services and other bodies in a number of European countries use radar as a major factor in their very Short-Range (Nowcasting) weather forecasting systems and as a means of determining rainfall. Over recent years these countries have set up new fully digital radar networks, which has meant considerable efforts on the software front. These networks are designed mainly to collect radar data on the distribution of precipitation and to put this data at the disposal of all users. In addition to the meteorological services per se, these users include aviation, hydrological services, agriculture and the construction industry. Interest in these networks is not limited to the recording of amounts and imaging of local precipitation, but also extends to "dangerous" forms of precipitation, risks of flooding, etc, so that warnings can be issued and suitable preventive measures taken. Work carried out under the previous project, COST 72, has already established the feasibility of exchanging radar data between European countries and provided guidelines on certain aspects of radar systems. However, new research is required to ascertain the best processing methods, and to develop proper structures within which the standardisation of equipment and software will be ensured. The COST 73 programme is aimed at the exchange and combination of radar data in real time, problems of equipment standardization and of imaging, the processing and transmission of data from and to network centres and, in general terms, the acquisition of pre-operational experience for the creation of a European weather radar network.
CURRENT STATUS
The work continues to be carried out mostly within four sub-areas using Working Groups (WG) or rapporteurs as required:
WG 1: Telecommunications (Chairperson: B. Beringuer - France)
WG 2 : Coordination, Compositing and Radar Network Data Exchange (Chairperson: H. Wessels - Netherlands)
WG 3 : Further Development and Application of COST images (comprising four sub-projects, see below) (Coordinator : C.G. Collier - UK)
WG 4 : Analysis of New Radar Techniques (Rapporteurs : L. Dahlberg - Sweden, Dr Randeu - Austria and Dr J. Joss - Switzerland)
Telecommunications
Standardisation of data formats and protocols
Work is progressing in several countries to adapt systems to the use of BUFR-94 and it is planned that experimental exchanges of radar data in this code will commence in Spring 1991.
Testing of data transmission methods
Data exchange may take place via landlines, radio links (with VHF or UHF), microwave or satellite links. Work is being planned to transmit radar data using a satellite link between Austria and UK as soon as the necessary equipment is installed in both countries. The Olympus satellite will be used for this experiment. Relevant experience may also be gained from a review of the performance of the Meteosat Data Dissemination Mission (MDD) due to begin early 1990.
Coordination, Compositing and Radar Network Data Exchange
1. Determination of comparability of data from different radars and from other meteorological sources
Working Group 2 was given the task of specifying the coverage achieved by all the radars in Western Europe and also had to review real time data processing methods.
The COST product line above includes some products generated by blending radar data with other meteorological data. Also, radar data use in weather forecasting demands that they are analysed with these other data. Thus an understanding of the radar data coverage and characteristics is an essential part of this integration procedure.
2. Display requirements
3. Equipment standardisation
Software for Doppler radar systems, particularly the clutter cancellation requirements, still needs to be specified.
Further development and application of COST images
1. Present and future operational forecasting requirements (including numerical weather prediction) for European radar composite data
A primary input to numerical weather prediction models is analysis of the initial distribution of moisture and latent heating. Failure to define the initial state may lead to forecast deficiencies, particularly within the first hours of the forecast (known as the "spin up" problem). Whilst much useful information may be acquired from satellite data, experiments using radar data have also been encouraging. Three dimensional reflectivity data could have a major impact on model format.
2. The COST product line
In 1990, the Pilot Area will be increased to include data from the Scandinavian countries, Spain and probably Italy so that virtually the whole of Western Europe will be covered.
One large remaining "hole" in the COST image will be the North Sea, but Denmark has proposed that at least one, but preferably two, radars should be sited on oil rigs.
Analysis of new radar techniques
It is clear that national networks of conventional radars with Doppler facilities will underpin, for some considerable time, operational radar deployment in Western Europe. Dual polarisation radars will be installed in some areas where specific applications, such as hail forecasting and suppression, justify these special facilities. More advanced multiple parameter radars using, for example, circular polarisation, offer new possibilities for cloud physics and mesoscale meteorological research.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
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RG12 2SZ Bracknell
United Kingdom