An Efficient Practical Post-Processing Algorithm for the Quality Control of Dual-pulse Repetition Frequency Doppler Velocity Data

Abstract

This paper presents an efficient, practical post-processing algorithm for the quality control of dual-pulse repetition frequency (dual-PRF) Doppler velocity data observed in Plan Position Indicator (PPI) mode. Quality control refers to the enhancement of the quality of the Doppler velocities through the reassignment of an appropriate Nyquist interval number to an erroneous velocity datum and the elimination of unreliable data. The proposed algorithm relies on the local continuity of velocity data, as do most of the preexisting algorithms. Its uniqueness, however, lies both in the preparation of more reliable reference velocity data and its applicability to PPI data at higher elevation angles. The performance of the proposed algorithm is highlighted by its application to observed data from C- and X-band Doppler radars. This algorithm is practical, efficient, and not time-consuming. It may be of great help in the derivation of accurate wind information from dual-PRF Doppler velocities.