Layer Composite Reflectivity - Warning Decision Training Division (WDTD)

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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: 0.01^o Latitude (~1.11 km) x 0.01^o Longitude (~1.01 km at 25^oN and 0.73 km at 49^oN)

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].