DQRID : D090728.2
Start DateStart TimeEnd DateEnd Time
12/01/2007000002/13/20082359
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Subject:
NSA/ARSCL/C1 - Reflectivity values unreliable
DataStreams:nsaarscl1clothC1.c1, nsaarsclbnd1clothC1.c1, nsammcrmode4ro200712011clothC1.c1,
nsammcrmode1bl200712011clothC1.c1, nsammcrmode3ge200712011clothC1.c1,
nsammcrmode2ci200712011clothC1.c1
Description:
Reflectivity dBZ values should not be used.  The reported cloud boundaries may 
underestimate cloud tops, particularly for high or thick clouds.  Also thin high clouds may have 
been missed entirely, especially if there were lower-level cloud layers below them. During 
this time period, the MMCR was transmitting in  circular polarization, rather than 
(correct) linear polarization. This caused reported Reflectivity values to be too low by an 
unknown amount, resulting in an effective loss of radar sensitivity.

Areas identified as have having hydrometeor detections are correct, however some areas 
marked as clear may in fact contain cloud due to the MMCR's low sensitivity during this time.
Suggestions: 
Measurements:nsammcrmode4ro200712011clothC1.c1:
  • Reflectivity(Reflectivity)
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nsaarscl1clothC1.c1:
  • MMCR Reflectivity with Clutter Removed(ReflectivityNoClutter)
  • MMCR Best Estimate of Hydrometeor Reflectivity(ReflectivityBestEstimate)
  • Bottom Height of Hydrometeor Layer from Composite (MMCR/Clothiaux et al. MPL)
    Algorithms(CloudLayerBottomHeightMplCloth)
  • MMCR Top Height of Lowest Detected Layer before Clutter Removal(RadarFirstTop)
  • Reflectivity(Reflectivity)
  • Top Height of Hydrometeor Layer from Composite (MMCR/Clothiaux et al. MPL)
    Algorithms(CloudLayerTopHeightMplCloth)
more
nsammcrmode1bl200712011clothC1.c1:
  • Reflectivity(Reflectivity)
more
nsaarsclbnd1clothC1.c1:
  • Bottom Height of Hydrometeor Layer from Composite (MMCR/Clothiaux et al. MPL)
    Algorithms(CloudLayerBottomHeightMplCloth)
  • Top Height of Hydrometeor Layer from Composite (MMCR/Clothiaux et al. MPL)
    Algorithms(CloudLayerTopHeightMplCloth)
more
nsammcrmode2ci200712011clothC1.c1:
  • Reflectivity(Reflectivity)
more
nsammcrmode3ge200712011clothC1.c1:
  • Reflectivity(Reflectivity)
more

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