A method for using weather radar data to test cloudresolving models

摘要

A simple method for extracting useful metrics to characterize cloud fields from volumetric radar data isdescribed along with the use of these metrics to evaluate the performance of cloud resolving models. This method involvesthe calculation of a 'Statistical Coverage Product', where the fraction of a grid of radar data covered by various reflectivitythresholds and microphysical classifications is calculated, along with profiles of maximum reflectivity, areas of convectiveand stratiform rain, and the amounts of rainfall in these categories. The application of this method is illustrated, wherebyradar observation and a cloud resolving model simulation are compared for a tropical island thunderstorm near Darwin,Australia.