The NCAR S-band/Ka-band, polarimetric (S-PolKa) radar combines dual-polarization, dual-wavelength (S-band and Ka-band) and Doppler measurements on a single radar platform. The S- and Ka-band radars take simultaneous, collocated dual-polarimetric measurements making S-PolKa the only transportable radar in the world that is capable of describing air motions, boundary layer humidity, cloud initiation and precipitation microphysics.
Configuration: Ground-based; transportable, fixed Number of available systems: 1
NCAR S-Pol & S-PolKa Facility Request Guidance Information
S-Pol/S-PolKa Operations
Define standard attended operation mode
The standard S-Pol configuration has 3 scientific display stations and 3 additional seats with desk space. Is this sufficient to accommodate the maximum number of scientists staff expected at S-Pol at any one time?
Intensive Observing Periods (IOPs)
S-Pol/S-PolKa Typical Operating Parameters
PRF = 1000 Hz (range = 500 to 1300Hz)
Max Range = 150 km
Unambiguous Velocity = 25 m/s
Range Resolution = 150 m (range = 150 to 675 m)
Type of Scans:
Range Height Indicator (RHI)
Plan Position Indicator (PPI)
Vertically pointing,
Staring
Scan Rate:
RHI = 6 deg/s (1 to 6 deg/s)
PPI = 10 deg/s (range from 1 to 12 deg/s)
