The National Weather Service is in the process of establishing the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988, Doppler system (WSR-88D), also known as the NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar) system. The WSR-88D offers improved and expanded capabilities over the current non-Doppler weather radar system, WSR-57. T... Show moreThe National Weather Service is in the process of establishing the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988, Doppler system (WSR-88D), also known as the NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar) system. The WSR-88D offers improved and expanded capabilities over the current non-Doppler weather radar system, WSR-57. The NCAR CP-2 dual-wavelength polarimetric radar possesses all the functions of tile WSR-88D, as well as additional capabilities that allow differentiation between different types of bydrometeors. This paper will examine both systems, with emphasis on hydrometeor detection, and explore possible methods of upgrading the NEXRAD system to polarmetric capability. Show less
