EDR from Doppler radar

Knowledge graph centered on EDR from Doppler radar with 76 nodes and 242 connections. Top connected: Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Gothic, Crested Butte, Colorado East River Valley, Winter snowpack.

Method synopsis

Novel framework using collocated slanted W-band and vertical Ka-band radars to isolate microphysical processes within turbulent layers by comparing radar observations above and below the turbulent layer. Combines polarimetric radar variables with turbulence detection to avoid direct measurement artifacts within the turbulent layer itself.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 6 papers using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — Snow microphysical processes in orographic turbulence revealed by cloud radar and in situ snowfall camera observations (2026), Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Calculate eddy dissipation rate (EDR)
   Estimated EDR from mean Doppler velocity (MDV) measurements obtained by KAZR, aggregated over 1-minute intervals following method outlined in Vogl et al. (2024). Applied empirical threshold of 10⁻³ m² s⁻³ consistent with criterion used by Vogl et al. (2022) to isolate regions of significant turbulence.
   Quantities: 1-minute intervals, 10⁻³ m² s⁻³ thresholdDuration: Continuous during precipitation eventsConditions: During periods with sufficient hydrometeor tracers for wind measurement
   Equipment: KAZR radar
2. Detect turbulent layer height
   Calculated mean EDR weighted turbulent layer height (TLH) using formula: TLH = Σᵢhᵢ · EDRᵢ / ΣᵢEDRᵢ where h is height. Only included EDR data from up to 3100 m above ground level. Required minimum TLH of 600 m above ground level for analysis inclusion.
   Quantities: Up to 3100 m maximum height, minimum 600 m above ground levelDuration: For each timestep during precipitationConditions: During periods when turbulent layer is identified
   Equipment: KAZR radar data
3. Filter and resample radar data
   Applied signal to noise ratio threshold of 10 dB to KAZR and LIMRAD94 data and resampled into 5 minute mean intervals. For EDR calculations, required MDV measurements sufficiently above noise floor with gaseous attenuation correction applied.

Typical Equipment

• LIMRAD94 dual-polarimetric W-band radar
• ARM KAZR
• RPG-FMCW-94-DP model

Output Measurements

• differential reflectivity changes
• specific differential phase changes
• mean Doppler velocity changes
• reflectivity changes

Papers Using This Protocol (6)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used