Abstract
High-sensitivity weather radars easily detect nonmeteorological phenomena characterized by weak radar returns. Fireworks are the example presented here. To understand radar observations, an experiment was conducted in which the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)’s research (3-cm wavelength) dual-polarization radar and a video camera were located at 1 km from fireworks in Norman, Oklahoma. The fireworks from the 4 July 2017 celebration were recorded by both instruments. The experiment is described. Few bursts recorded by the camera are analyzed to obtain the height of the explosion, its maximum diameter, number of stars, and the duration of the visible image. Radar volume scans are examined to characterize the height of the observation, the maximum reflectivity, and its distribution with height. The fireworks location is close to the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) that operates in single polarization at a 5-cm wavelength and monitors hazardous weather over the Oklahoma City airport. A third radar with data from the event is the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) located in Norman. It has a wavelength of 10 cm and supports technical developments at the Radar Operation Center. Reflectivity factors measured by the three radars are compared to infer the size of dominant scatterers. The polarimetric characteristics of fireworks returns are analyzed. Although these differ from those of precipitation, they are indistinguishable from insect returns. Radar observation of larger fireworks in Fort Worth, Texas, with a WSR-88D is included and compared with the observations of the smaller fireworks in Norman. We expect the detectability of explosions would be similar as of fireworks. Pinpointing locations would be useful to first responders, or air quality forecasters. A benefit of fireworks recognition in weather radar data is that it can prevent contamination of precipitation accumulations.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | E90-E108 |
Journal | Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society |
Volume | 101 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2020 |
Funding
Acknowledgments. We thank Mr. Matt Hendren, park superintendent city of Norman, for the information about Norman fireworks location and size. Ms. L. Richardson of Radar Operations Center determined the initial differential phase of the WSR-88D in Norman and verified timing, and Mr. R. Lee gave us the data. Mr. J. Murnan helped with the video equipment and synchronized its timing. Ms. A. Murphy’s and A. Ryzhkov’s suggestions improved comprehension and clarity. Dj. Mirković informed us about backscattering of large objects. The questions and suggestions by three anonymous reviewers prompted us to create and examine the model of fireworks’ stars and consequently revise parts of conclusions. Partial funding for this work was paid by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology and Federal Emergency Management Agency. V. Melnikov and P. Zhang were supported by NOAA/Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research under NOAA-University of Oklahoma Cooperative Agreement NA11OAR4320072. We thank Mr. Matt Hendren, park superintendent city of Norman, for the information about Norman fireworks location and size. Ms. L. Richardson of Radar Operations Center determined the initial differential phase of the WSR-88D in Norman and verified timing, and Mr. R. Lee gave us the data. Mr. J. Murnan helped with the video equipment and synchronized its timing. Ms. A. Murphy?s and A. Ryzhkov?s suggestions improved comprehension and clarity. Dj. Mirkovi? informed us about backscattering of large objects. The questions and suggestions by three anonymous reviewers prompted us to create and examine the model of fireworks? stars and consequently revise parts of conclusions. Partial funding for this work was paid by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology and Federal Emergency Management Agency. V. Melnikov and P. Zhang were supported by NOAA/Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research under NOAA-University of Oklahoma Cooperative Agreement NA11OAR4320072.