Released in 2017 Instability, Skew-T, and Hodograph Handbook provides a full background on working with skew-T diagrams and hodographs. Math is kept to an absolute minimum, the text has a friendly tone, and the information starts out simple and then builds on the existing text. Learn how these diagrams work, what all the lines mean and how to use the charts. Nearly every known severe weather index is covered, including newer parameters like Significant Tornado Parameter and Critical Angle. Informative notes in the margin help clarify the material and provide related historical and technical background. Each chapter has a summary section and and 20 questions.
Chapters on Skew-T Diagrams and Hodographs
The book starts out with a chapter on thermodynamics, followed by a grounding in observing systems, then proceeds to working with skew-T's and hodographs. The charts are explained in detail, with numerous case studies and forecaster notes.
Severe Weather Index Spreads
For 23 of the most heavily used severe weather indexes, there is a two-page spread. This provides a definition of the index, how it was developed, the range of units that are typical for severe weather situations, and samples for about 15 recent tornado outbreaks, This makes an excellent go-to desk reference for anyone working up a severe weather prediction or a chase forecast.
Instability, Skew-T, and Shear Handbook is designed for forecasters, hobbyists, undergraduate college students, and anyone who wants to learn more.
Forecasters Reference Workbook is the companion to this title, and will help you work through its material or apply what you've learned to your forecasts.
Additionally, our laminated skew-T log-p diagram, with reference info authored by Tim Vasquez on the back, is a useful tool to accompany this book.
Contents
1 History
1.1. A prelude to weather radar / 1
1.2. Weather radar in the United States / 2
1.3. Weather radar around the world / 9
2 Fundamentals
2.1. Properties of electromagnetic waves / 15
2.2. Radar energy / 18
2.3. Radar energy / 22
2.4. The radar beam / 26
2.5. Volumetric scanning / 32
2.6. Visualization / 34
2.7. WSR-88D / 39
2.8. TDWR / 42
3 Reflectivity
3.1. Problems affecting reflectivity data / 47
3.2. Precipitation / 50
3.3. Thunderstorms / 52
3.4. Squall lines / 59
4 Velocity
4.1. Velocity processing / 63
4.2. Display standards / 69
4.3. Volumetric signatures / 70
4.4. Localized signatures / 71
4.5. Spectrum width / 77
4.6. Wind profile products / 79
5 Polarimetry
5.1. The basics of polarimetry / 87
5.2. Differential reflectivity (ZDR) / 88
5.3. Correlation coefficient (CC, rho, rHV) / 90
5.4. Differential propagation phase (fdp) / 91
5.5. Specific differential phase (Kdp, KDP) / 91
5.6. Linear depolarization ratio (LDR) / 92
5.7. Polarimetric algorithms and derived products / 92
5.8. Differential diagnosis / 95
5.9. Features and phenomena / 97
5.10. Filtering / 99 |
6 Derived Products
6.1. Composite reflectivity / 103
6.2. Vertically integrated liquid / 104
6.3. Echo tops / 105
6.4. Precipitation estimation / 106
6.5. Storm detection algorithm / 109
6.6. Mesocyclone detection algorithms / 110
6.7. Tornado detection algorithms / 111
6.8. Hail detection algorithms / 111
6.9. Storm relative velocity / 113
6.10. Velocity azimuth display / 113
6.11. VAD wind profile / 113
7 Forecast Integration
7.1. Quiescent weather / 117
7.2. Boundaries / 118
7.3. Stratiform precipitation / 119
7.4. Convective precipitation / 119
7.5. Winter weather / 122
7.6. Tropical cyclones / 125
Appendix
Common radar abbreviations and variables / 135
Range-height diagram / 136
Storm motion nomogram / 137
NEXRAD product codes / 138
Summary of typical polarimetric parameters / 139
United States NEXRAD coverage map / 140
List of WSR-88D builds / 142
WSR-88D Volume Coverage Pattern (VCP) reference / 144
WSR-88D Volume Coverage Pattern (VCP) / 144
References & recommended reading / 147
Index / 149 |
About the Author:
Tim Vasquez began a meteorology career in 1984 writing the weather page for a Dallas newspaper. From 1989 to 1998 he was an Air Force meteorologist and worked at two television stations. He developed the Digital Atmosphere weather analysis software system in use worldwide. Residing in Norman, Oklahoma, he is a software programmer, a consulting meteorologist, and a columnist for Weatherwise magazine.
Publication Date: 2013 / 8 x 10" / Perfect bound / 166 pp.
ISBN-13: 978-0-9832533-2-7
Cover: Glossy 4-color
Interior: Matte 4-color 70# 1