This is part one of a two-module series on estimation of observed precipitation. Through use of rich illustrations, animations, and interactions, this module provides an overview of the science of precipitation estimation using various measuring platforms. First, we define quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) and examine technologies for remote sensing of QPE, including radar and satellite and the strengths and limitations of each. That is followed by an examination of the use of rain gauges for precipitation estimation and important issues to consider with rain gauge measurement. Finally we provide an introduction to the strengths and limitations of using precipitation climatology for QPE including PRISM.
Have an account?
Sign In to write a review.
- Define quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE).
- List the tools used to measure precipitation.
- Explain a drop size distribution (DSD).
- Explain a Z-R relationship and its limitations in radar-derived QPE.
- Explain how the radar's ability to estimate snow QPE may differ from rain QPE.
- Understand the basics of radar-derived precipitation from dual-polarized radar.
- Illustrate what is meant by inconsistency in radar sampling and coverage.
- Be able to use radar climatology guidance.
- Describe the uses and limitations of satellite QPE.
- List some of the limitations of rain gauge measurements.
- Explain how wind, exposure, and turbulence can influence gauge catch for rain.
- Explain how the gauge performance for snow may differ from rain.
- Describe other ways to obtain snow water equivalent.
- Describe the general strengths and limitations of measurement from automated gauges.
- Explain how the strengths and limitations of manual gauge reports may differ from those of automated gauges.
- Describe how precipitation climatology may enhance QPE.
- Explain some key limitations of precipitation climatology.
- Describe weather situations that would likely result in useful estimates from each of the three measurement tools: radar, satellite, and rain gauges.
Precipitation Measurement, Quantitative Precipitation Estimation, QPE, Remote Sensing of QPE, estimating observed precipitation, precipitation climatology, Multisensor Precipitation Estimator, MPE, Quantitative Precipitation Forecast, QPF, radar precipitation, satellite precipitation, rain gauge, elevated rain gauge, automated rain gauge, manual rain gauge, tipping bucket rain gauge, 4-inch rain gauge, 8-inch rain gauge, shielded gauge, Parameter-elevation Regressions on an Independent Slopes Model, PRISM, Reflectivity, Reflectivity-Rainfall Rate relationship, Z-R relationship, Drop Size Distribution, DSD, Polarimetric Radar, dual pol radar, Dual-polarized radar, Radar Climatology, Radar coverage, radar sampling, terrain blocking, radar QPE, satellite QPE, Rain Gauge QPE, precipitation phase, drop size, hydrometeor, hydrometeor shape, stratiform, convective, non-hydrometeors, SCaMPR, hydro estimator, infrared satellite, IR satellite, microwave satellite, AWPAG, SNOTEL, snow pillow, gauge undercatch, cooperative observing network, CoCoRaHS, Community Collaborative Rain Hail and Snow observing network, liquid equivalent, core measurement
August 2016 and August 2015: HTML and media assets in this lesson have been updated for current browsers and mobile devices.
July 2014: Since the publication of this lesson there has been a significant amount of experience gained with operational precipitation estimation using dual-polarization weather radar. This experience is not reflected in the material originally published in 2009.
