NCAR's S-band, polarimetric (S-Pol) radar combines dual-polarization and Doppler measurements on a single radar platform. It is capable of discriminating and classifying various types of precipitation (e.g., rain, hail, ice crystals, graupel, etc.). S-Pol also quantifies low level moisture content (via ground clutter targets) as well as rain rainfall rates. S-Pol can be disassembled, packed into seven sea containers, transported and deployed to anywhere in the world and is remotely operable. It is one of two dual polarimetric, transportable, high data quality S-band weather 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)
