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Benefits of a Dual Polarization Weather radar
Dual-polarimetric radar transmits and receives pulses simultaneously in both a horizontal and vertical orientation. As a result, the returning frequencies provide measurements of the horizontal and vertical dimensions of targets, supplying forecasters with better estimates of the size, shape, and variety of targets.
Detecting heavy rain
The dual-polarimetric radar Furuno WR2120 also recovers signal intensity loss and attenuation caused by heavy rain. This is possible because the Kdp eliminates the attenuation (slowed signal) issue caused by the flattening of larger raindrops. Kdp is also not dependent on transmits or received power. This will give a better rainfall estimates and will help decision makers.
Differentiate rain, snow, hail and melting snow
Data such as echo strength or phase difference provided by the Furuno WR2120, can be utilized to assess the nature of the detected particle and deduct whether it is snow, hail or rain.
While the Furuno WR110 sends out a single horizontal pulse; this pulse could measure the intensity and motion of precipitation but are not able to discern precipitation type and non-meteorological objects.
The dual-pol Furuno WR2120 emit two simultaneous pulses, one horizontal and one vertical. Emitting two pulses enables the radar to obtain three-dimensional characteristics of its targets. This has resulted in considerable improvement for weather analysis and forecasting, including more accurate estimation of precipitation type and accumulation and estimates of tornadoes.
A dual pol radar is also able to detect melting layer in the atmosphere. This is the layer where snow and ice crystals reach the temperature that rises above freezing point and starts to melt. The initial melting forms a coating of water which is highly reflective to microwave energy. This will help in discission support for both aviation and surface transportation.
Reduction of sea clutter
Identifying and reduce sea clutter has proven to be a difficult task, mainly because of high horizontal variable and strong echos. The single pol Furuno WR110 has settings that will reduce sea clutter, but the Furuno dual polarimetric WR2120 allows for much better sea clutter reduction in lower elevations. Sea clutter reduction are more advanced than a simple ground clutter rejection setting (non-moving objects). This is tested and proven on several drill ship installations.
