Rainfall Estimation Method Based on Multiple-Doppler Radar over the Huaihe River Basin
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 18, Issue 11
Abstract
A prompt availability of precipitation intensity is crucial for accurate and effective flood forecast. When radars are coordinated, the mosaic of weather radar can perform rainfall estimation over large areas. This study presents an experimental method of rainfall estimation based on multiple-Doppler radars over the Huaihe River Basin in China. The method emphasizes the combined use of six radars in the area. The processes reviewed are base-data collection, conversion from radar reflectivity to rain rate, rain gauge calibration, consensus of rainfall, and rainfall mosaics. A case study of an extreme meteorological and hydrological event, which occurred in July 2007 over the Huaihe River basin in China, was examined, and the estimated error of rainfall is lower than 45% after calibration with measurements from rain gauges. The results show that the proposed rainfall estimation method presents a cumulative rainfall distribution that is similar to the observations. It is both practical and reliable for the Huaihe River Basin.
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Acknowledgments
This research was partially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 40875012, 40905019, 40675001) and China Meteorological Administration under contract CMATG (Grant No. 2007Z11, 2009MS07). The authors thank the two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments.
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Published In
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 18 • Issue 11 • November 2013
Pages: 1471 - 1476
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 11, 2010
Accepted: Jan 12, 2011
Published online: Oct 15, 2013
Published in print: Nov 1, 2013
Discussion open until: Mar 15, 2014
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