VU Doppler Radar
Posted by: 
paul.nord
N 41° 27.775 W 087° 02.975
16T E 495859 N 4590148
Valparaiso University Doppler Weather Radar
Waymark Code: WM4NBK
Location: Indiana, United States
Date Posted: 09/10/2008
Views: 24
A simultaneous dual-polarization 5-cm Doppler radar operated as a research instrument by Valparaiso University's department of Meteorology.
The reflectivity image is a result of energy from the radar reflecting off of hydrometeors, such as cloud drops, rain drops, hail, and snow. Sometimes dust, insects, birds, airplanes, and buildings reflect the energy back to the radar. Reflectivity is measured in dBZ, or decibels of the radar reflectivity factor. The radar is in effect "listening" for the return of energy. The radar spends a vast majority of the time listening. Higher dBZ values indicate more intense precipitation or larger objects. Hail stones will have a large value of dBZ because of their large size. Melting snowflakes also tend to have a large value as the ice changes phase into water.
Is the radar operational?: Yes
Radar Operator: Valparaiso University Department of Meteorology
Radar Type: Other
Radar Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
Please provide a photograph of yourself and/or your GPS with the radar visible, and describe the area.