Doppler radar

Using a precipitation radar station ( also called rain radar) can be measured in a limited area, the water content of a cloud, which in turn allows conclusions on any precipitation (rain, hail or snow). In aviation, the precipitation radar is mainly used to avoid flights by thunderstorm and to assess the turbulence to be expected.

Operation

A precipitation radar is based on the primary radar principle. The precipitation radar transmits microwave and receives the portion of these waves, which is reflected in its path through the atmosphere. Operational, ground-based precipitation radars in Europe mostly work in C-band ( 5 cm wavelength).

The more water drops, snow crystals or ice pellets, the atmosphere per volume, the more microwave radiation she throws back ( ie, the higher the proportion of reflected radar beams, the higher the liquid and solid water content of the cloud, the gaseous phase of water, the water vapor is not measured). From the time difference between sending the radiation and reception of the reflected radiation is close to the distance of the particle precipitation from the radar. Thus we obtain a clear picture of distance and precipitation content of the cloud.

In the measuring process itself, there is some physico -related problems:

Precipitation radar in Germany

In Germany, the German Weather Service operates a radar network with 17 precipitation radar stations.

Precipitation radar in Austria

In Austria there are five weather radar stations: in Schwechat and Salzburg as well as on the Zirbitzkogel, Patscherkofel and Valluga.

Precipitation radar in Switzerland

MeteoSwiss operates three weather radar stations on the Dole, on the Albis and Monte Lema.