Layer Composite Reflectivity - Warning Decision Training Division (WDTD)
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Products Guide
Layer Composite Reflectivity
Short Description
The maximum reflectivity in the column within a specified depth.
Subproducts
Layer Composite Reflectivity Low [0–24 kft]
Layer Composite Reflectivity High [24–60 kft]
Layer Composite Reflectivity Super [33–60 kft]
Primary Users
NWS: CWSU, AWC
FAA: TRACON, ARTCC, ATCSCC, FSS
Input Sources
3D Reflectivity Cube
Resolution
Spatial Resolution: 0.01o Latitude (~1.11 km) x 0.01o Longitude (~1.01 km at 25oN and 0.73 km at 49oN)
Temporal Resolution: 2 minutes
Product Creation
The maximum reflectivity in a column of specified depth, using the 3D reflectivity cube.
Technical Details
Latest Update: MRMS Version 11.5
References
None
Strengths
Like all MRMS products, the use of multiple radars is more robust than single-site radar alone. It provides faster updates and helps the forecaster integrate data from multiple radars. It also compensates for cone-of-silence, beam broadening at far ranges, and terrain blockage.
Limitations
Bright band contamination is not removed.
Quality Control
This product is derived from the 3D Reflectivity Cube, which means non-hydrometeorological data has been removed including: Ground clutter, anomalous propagation (AP), chaff, interference spikes, and bioscatterers (e.g., angels and ghosts). However, bright band contamination (i.e., anomalously-high reflectivity caused by melting snowflakes) remains.
Applications
Useful for tactical and short-term strategic decisions about air traffic routing.
Example Images
Fig. 1: Layer Composite Reflectivity Low [0-24 kft].
Fig. 2: Layer Composite Reflectivity High [24-60 kft].
Fig. 3: Layer Composite Reflectivity Super [33-60 kft].