Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

A Simulation Approach for Validation of a Brightband Correction Method

Marco Borga Department of Land and Agro-Forest Environment, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova, Italy

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Emmanouil N. Anagnostou Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

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Witold F. Krajewski Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

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Print Publication:
01 Nov 1997
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0450(1997)036<1507:ASAFVO>2.0.CO;2
Page(s):
1507–1518
Restricted access

Abstract

Brightband effects are one of the more important causes of vertical variability of reflectivity and severely affect the accuracy of rainfall estimates from ground-based radar. Monte Carlo simulation experiments are performed to investigate the efficiency of a procedure for the correction of errors related to the vertical variability of reflectivity. The simulation model generates three-dimensional radar reflectivity fields. Brightband effects are simulated through a physically based model of melting-layer reflectivity observations. Sensitivity of the correction procedure for a number of different precipitation scenarios and radar systems is analyzed. Overall, the identification method is found to be a robust procedure for correction of brightband effects. Results indicate a dependence of the effectiveness of the correction procedure on mean altitude and spatial variability of the melting layer.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Marco Borga, DTeSAF, AGRIPOLIS, Via Romea, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy.

Abstract

Brightband effects are one of the more important causes of vertical variability of reflectivity and severely affect the accuracy of rainfall estimates from ground-based radar. Monte Carlo simulation experiments are performed to investigate the efficiency of a procedure for the correction of errors related to the vertical variability of reflectivity. The simulation model generates three-dimensional radar reflectivity fields. Brightband effects are simulated through a physically based model of melting-layer reflectivity observations. Sensitivity of the correction procedure for a number of different precipitation scenarios and radar systems is analyzed. Overall, the identification method is found to be a robust procedure for correction of brightband effects. Results indicate a dependence of the effectiveness of the correction procedure on mean altitude and spatial variability of the melting layer.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Marco Borga, DTeSAF, AGRIPOLIS, Via Romea, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy.

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