Site log - Kwaj (Aug 1998) Flags: 1-Satellite coincidence data 2-Scan in TSDIS data 3-Scan not in TSDIS data A-Major problem (moderate to strong AP &/or widespread coverage) B-Minor problem (weak AP &/or very little coverage) ******************************************************************************* 05 Aug 98: Scattered lines of showers with small convective cells cover the scope for the limited data available on this day. Data Processed: 1409-2009Z 2317-2354Z Satellite Coincidence: 0228Z(282 km), 1213Z(605 km) QC notes: 1409-2354Z: Clutter specks (some intense and embedded) near and surrounding the radar. These specks are particularly bad when precip moves close to the radar. ----> Partially Corrected - Almost all clutter specks near radar were removed at the expense of a few minor showers. H2=3.5 km worked very well because the showers have deep vertical extent compared to the clutter. Two VOSs contain clutter embedded in precip and cannot be removed (see flags) 3A !!FLAG!! 1945Z: Intense clutter specks near radar are embedded within light precip and cannot be removed without removing too much real precip echo. 3A !!FLAG!! 2354Z: Intense clutter specks near radar are embedded within light precip and cannot be removed without removing too much real precip echo. 3A !!FLAG!! 1849Z: Solar interference spike (sunrise) in 2nd tilt + clutter in base tilt near radar. ----> The solar interference spike was removed, but this VOS is flagged due to embedded clutter near the radar in base tilt. 2317Z: Dimming of reflectivities due to improper procedure for solar calibration ******************************************************************************* 06 Aug 98: Scattered light/moderate bands of showers cover the radar FOV throughout the entire day. Occasional ray dropouts are present. Data Processed: 0001-2353Z Satellite Coincidence: 0252Z(562 km), 1237Z(235 km) QC notes: 0001-2353Z: Clutter specks near radar throughout the entire day. Some of these specks are embedded in light precip. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain directly over or very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0937-0945Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 1017Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 1428Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 2A !!FLAG!! 1601Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 1857Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 0705Z: Solar interference spike in 2nd tilt image (sunset) + clutter specks in base tilt ----> Corrected - spike removed within 150 km range 1841Z: Solar interference spike E of radar (sunrise) (base tilt) + clutter specks ----> Corrected - clutter removed; spike removed within 150 km range 3A !!FLAG!! 1849Z: Solar interference spike E of radar (sunrise) (second tilt) + clutter specks embedded in light precip ----> Solar spike removed within 150 km range; clutter specks could not be removed because they are embedded. ***************************************************************************************************** 07 Aug 98: Scattered and broken lines of light/moderate showers cover the radar FOV throughout the day. Data Processed: 0001-2353Z Satellite Coincidence: 0139Z(88 km), 1124Z(422 km) QC notes: 0001-2353Z: Light/moderate clutter specks near and to the North of the radar along Atoll edges. Some specks are embedded in precip. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain directly over or very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light showers were removed in this process 3A !!FLAG!! 0353Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 0545Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 0841Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 1A,2A !!FLAG!! 1153-1201Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 3A !!FLAG!! 1241-1249Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 0705Z: Solar interference spike in 2nd tilt image (sunset) ----> Corrected 1849Z: Solar interference spike in 2nd tilt image (sunrise) ----> Corrected ***************************************************************************************************** 08 Aug 98: Widespread light/moderate shower activity covers various quadrents of the radar scope throughout the entire day. Ray dropouts are much more visible on this day - cause not known at this time. Data Processed: 0001-2353Z Satellite Coincidence: 0203Z(741 km), 1148Z(426 km) QC notes: 0001-2353Z: Persistent clutter specks near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is partially embedded in light/mod precip near radar. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain directly over or very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light shallow showers were removed in this process 3A !!FLAG!! 0249Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0321-0327Z: " " 2A !!FLAG!! 0633Z: " " 3A !!FLAG!! 1417Z: " " 0705Z: Solar interference spike W of radar (sunset) in base and 2nd tilt images ----> Corrected - spike removed within 150 km range. A few light showers were removed in this process 1849Z: Solar interference spike E of radar (sunrise) in 2nd tilt image ----> Corrected - spike removed within 150 km range. A few light showers were removed in this process 2042-2057Z: Dimming of reflectivities due to incorrect procedure during solar calibration task ***************************************************************************************************** 09 Aug 98: Several light/moderate bands of showers move across the radar ROV throught the day. There appears to be some slight rotation in the echoe pattern after 20Z. Some very minor ray dropouts are present. Data Processed: 0001-2353Z Satellite Coincidence: 0051Z(100 km), 1035Z(234 km), 2338Z(563 km) QC notes: 0001-2353Z: Persistent clutter specks near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is partially embedded in light/mod precip near radar. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain directly over or very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light shallow showers were removed in this process 3A !!FLAG!! 1321Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1401-1545Z: " " 2A !!FLAG!! 1633Z: " " 1849Z: Solar interference spike E of radar (sunrise) in 2nd tilt image. ----> Corrected - spike removed within 150 km range ***************************************************************************************************** 10 Aug 98: Scattered light/moderate shower activity covers the scope throughout the day. There appears to be rotation in the echoes when looped over the period 00-03Z. Some very minor ray dropouts are present. Data Processed: 0001-2105Z 2340-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 1059Z(631 km) QC notes: 0001-2350Z: Persistent clutter specks near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is partially embedded in light/mod precip near radar. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain directly over or very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light shallow showers were removed in this process 3A !!FLAG!! 0745Z: Intense clutter specks near radar could not be removed 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0809-0937Z: " " 3A !!FLAG!! 1121-1129Z: " " 3A !!FLAG!! 1345-1353Z: " " 3A !!FLAG!! 1409Z: " " 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1441-1521Z: " " 0705Z: Solar interference spike W of radar (sunset) in 2nd tilt image ----> Corrected - spike removed within 150 km range 1849Z: Solar interference spike E of radar (sunrise) in 2nd tilt image ----> Corrected - spike removed within 150 km range ***************************************************************************************************** 11 Aug 98: Scattered to isolated light/moderate showers throughout the day. The usual clutter speck problems persist. Data Processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0002Z(299 km), 0947Z(36 km), 2250Z(360 km) QC notes: 0000-2350Z: Persistent clutter specks near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is partially embedded in light/mod precip near radar. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain directly over or very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light shallow showers were removed in this process. Most VOSs contain moderate clutter specks directly over the radar and were not flagged because close clutter will not affect L2/L3 products. 3A !!FLAG!! 0010Z: Intense clutter specks near radar could not be removed 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0950-1100Z: " " 3A !!FLAG!! 2010-2020Z: " " ***************************************************************************************************** 12 Aug 98: Widespread light shower activity prevails throughout the day. Data Processed: 0004-1950Z 2150-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0835Z(677 km), 2314Z(489 km) QC notes: 0004-2350Z: Persistent clutter specks near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is partially embedded in light/mod precip near radar. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain directly over or very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light shallow showers were removed in this process. Most VOSs contain moderate clutter specks directly over the radar and were not flagged because close clutter will not affect L2/L3 products. 3A !!FLAG!! 2350Z: Moderate clutter speck NW of radar could not be removed due to proximity of precip. ***************************************************************************************************** 13 Aug 98: Scattered shower activity of varying intensities covers the scope througout the day. Some isolated pockets of convective cells appear to be producing locally heavy rains. This is the most active day at Kwaj in quite some time. Some ray dropouts are visible in the larger precip shields. Second trip echo is quite evident in the raw DZ images. Data Processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0859Z(159 km), 2201Z(163 km) QC notes: 0000-2350Z: Persistent clutter specks near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is embedded in precip near radar and cannot be removed. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain directly over or very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light shallow showers were removed in this process. Most VOSs contain moderate clutter specks directly over the radar and were not flagged because close clutter will not affect L2/L3 products due to cone of silence. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0030-0100Z: Intense clutter specks could not be removed due to proximity of precip. 1A !!FLAG!! 0900Z: Intense embedded clutter specks near the radar could not be removed. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1220-1350Z: " " 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1530-1610Z: " " 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1830-1910Z: " " 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2240-2350Z: " " 0250-0330Z: Second trip echo in base and second tilt at mid-range W of radar ----> Partially corrected (see flag) 2B !!FLAG!! 0330Z: Light second trip echo W of radar at mid-range could not be completely removed without removing real precip echo. * SECOND TRIP RANGE ~ 70-100 km 0450-0820Z: Second trip echo in base and second tilt at mid-range in various locations. ----> Corrected - second trip echo removed except for a couple very light insignificant patches at far range. Some light showers at far range very also removed in this process. 2210-2350Z: Second trip echo in base and second tilt at mid/far range in various locations. ----> Partially corrected (see flag below). Second trip echo removed within 150 km range except in one VOS 2B !!FLAG!! 2330Z: Light second trip echo N of radar at mid-range could not be completely removed without removing too much real precip echo. This is a minor flag. * SECOND TRIP RANGE ~ 80-130 km range ***************************************************************************************************** 14 Aug 98: Widespread showers and convective cells cover the scope throughout the first half of the day. Activity greatly diminishes after 12Z and becomes very light and isolated. Significant second trip echo is present in the raw DZ images. Some ray dropouts are also present. Data Processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0746Z(494 km), 2225Z(671 km) QC notes: 0000-2350Z: Persistent clutter specks near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is embedded in precip near radar and cannot be removed. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain directly over or very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light shallow showers were removed in this process. Most VOSs contain moderate clutter specks directly over the radar and were not flagged because close clutter will not affect L2/L3 products due to cone of silence. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0000-0230Z: Intense clutter specks embedded within light precip near radar 0000-2350Z: Light/moderate second trip echo at mid-range contaminates many of the VOSs (especially during the first half of the day) Base and second tilt images are affected. ----> Partially corrected - not all of the second trip echo could be removed due to the presence of precip (see flag). Some light showers were removed from the edges of the echoes which gives precip regions a blocky appearance. The more intense precip cores remain in-tact. This reprocessing scenerio is definitely a compromise. 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0000-0800Z: Light second trip echo (some embedded) mainly N of the radar cannot be removed without also removing significant precip. * SECOND TRIP RANGE ~ 80-150 km ***************************************************************************************************** 15 Aug 98: Isolated light showers are present from 00-15Z. When the data flow resumes in the 18Z hour, more widespread showers and convection rapidly develops. A NW-SE oriented moderate precip band pases over the radar near 23Z. Data Processed: 0000-1500Z 1830-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0810Z(351 km), 2113Z(26 km) QC notes: 0000-2350Z: Persistent clutter specks near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is embedded in precip near radar and cannot be removed. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain directly over or very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light shallow showers were removed in this process. Most VOSs contain moderate clutter specks directly over the radar and were not flagged because close clutter will not affect L2/L3 products due to cone of silence. 2A !!FLAG!! 0430Z: Intense clutter speck NW of radar cannot be removed 2A !!FLAG!! 1500Z: Moderate clutter specks surround radar out to ~ 50 km range 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2120-2350Z: Moderate/intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near and surrounding radar. There is no QC fix for embedded clutter ***************************************************************************************************** 16 Aug 98: Widespread showers with heavier convective pockets covers the Southern half of the scope early in the day. Several bands of showers move directly over the radar. By 08Z, most of the activity has exited the radar FOV to the West. The remainder of the day has only scattered light/moderate showers with the exception of a small convective cluster which passes South of the radar near 16Z. Data Processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0657Z(308 km), 2000Z(640 km) QC notes: 0000-2350Z: Persistent clutter specks near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is embedded in precip near radar and cannot be removed. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain directly over or very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light shallow showers were removed in this process. Most VOSs contain moderate clutter specks directly over the radar and were not flagged because close clutter will not affect L2/L3 products due to cone of silence. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0000-0100Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip near radar. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0200-0340Z: " " 3A !!FLAG!! 1210-1250Z: " " 3A !!FLAG!! 1410Z: " " 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1520-1650Z: " " ***************************************************************************************************** 17 Aug 98: Widely scattered to isolated light shower activity is present mainly S of the radar throughout the day. Data processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0721Z(554 km), 2024Z(225 km) QC notes: 0000-2350Z: Persistent clutter specks near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is embedded in precip near radar and cannot be removed. The VOSs 0020Z, 0320Z, 2220 and 2310Z contain moderate/intense clutter specks at mid/far range NW of radar. The specks have not been observed in the past. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain directly over or very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light shallow showers were removed in this process. Most VOSs contain moderate clutter specks directly over the radar and were not flagged because close clutter will not affect L2/L3 products due to cone of silence. 2A !!FLAG!! 1000Z: Moderate clutter specks near radar could not be removed. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2100-2310Z: " " ***************************************************************************************************** 18 Aug 98: Scattered light/moderate showers in no organized pattern are present during the first half of the day. After 12Z, moderate to intense clusters of showers and convection passes S of the radar at far range (resulting in widespread second trip echo). Scattered convection is located N of the radar. Most of this activity dissipates by 22Z while new convection moves into the radar FOV from the East at the end of the day. Data processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0609Z(110 km), 1912Z(436 km) QC notes: 0000-2350Z: Persistent clutter specks near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is embedded in precip near radar and cannot be removed. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light shallow showers were removed in this process. Most VOSs contain moderate clutter specks directly over the radar and were not flagged because close clutter will not affect L2/L3 products due to cone of silence. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0340-0430Z: Moderate/intense clutter specks near and surrounding radar could not be removed. 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1600-1940Z: " " 0820-1630Z: Widespread light (~10 dBZ) second trip echo S of radar due to large precip shield at far range. ----> Partially corrected - some second trip echo could not be removed due to presence of precip at mid/far range (see flags). Holes in light precip at the 120-150 km range are the result of stronger qc params to remove second trip. 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1230-1430Z: Light second trip echo S of radar could not be completely removed due to presence of precip. Second trip echo is located inbetween mid and far range precip echo. * SECOND TRIP RANGE ~ 100-140 km ***************************************************************************************************** 19 Aug 98: Widespread shower and thunderstorm activity covers mainly the southern half of the scope throughout the entire day. Several intense convective lines and clusters move directly over the radar. A very active day at Kwaj. Data Processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0457Z(748 km), 1936Z(417 km) QC notes: 0000-2350Z: Persistent clutter specks near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is embedded in precip near radar and cannot be removed. ----> Partially corrected - some mod/intense clutter specks remain very near the radar site (see flags below) Stronger parameter settings removed too much light precip. A few light shallow showers were removed in this process. Most VOSs contain moderate clutter specks directly over the radar and were not flagged because close clutter will not affect L2/L3 products due to cone of silence. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0230-0400Z: Moderate/intense clutter specks embedded in precip near radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0700-1110Z: " " 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1330-1400Z: " " 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1520-2300Z: " " 3A !!FLAG!! 2340Z: " " 0000-0900Z: Occassional scattered light second trip echo in various locations and ranges (base and second tilt) ----> Corrected - Almost all second trip echo removed. A few light patches may still exist, but they are too minor for concern. ***************************************************************************************************** 20 Aug 98: Widespread shower and thunderstorm activity covers mainly the Southern half of the scope from 00-07Z. Only isolated showers occur for the remainder of the day. Data Processed: 0000-2100Z Satellite Coincidence: 0521Z(83 km), 1823Z(239 km) QC notes: 0000-0800Z: Light spotty second trip echo at mid/far range and clutter speck contamination (some partially or totally embedded in precip) near radar ----> Partially Corrected - second trip echo was almost completely removed. Only a few minor spots of second trip remain, but they are too minor for concern. Embedded clutter is a major problem. This clutter cannot be removed without also removing real precip echo (see flags) 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0010-0130Z: Intense embedded clutter specks near radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0220-0230Z: " " 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0320-0530Z: " " 0810-1030Z: Light spotty second trip echo S of radar, and clutter specks near radar - no real precip echo ----> Corrected - all spurious echo removed 1040-2100Z: Clutter specks near radar. Abnormal clutter pattern seen NW of radar at mid/far range at 1910Z, 1600Z, 1420Z, and 1300Z. Very light showers occur during this period so the best alternative is to reduce the magnitude of the clutter and hopefully keep it confined within 15 km of the radar. ----> Partially Corrected - most clutter now remains within 15 km range. Some clutter at mid/far range could not be removed due to presence of precip (see flags) 2A !!FLAG!! 1600Z: Intense clutter speck from unknown source NW of radar at far range could not be removed due to presence of light precip. 3A !!FLAG!! 1910Z: Intense clutter speck from unknown source NW of radar at far range could not be removed due to presence of light precip. * CLUTTER RANGE ~ 130 km ***************************************************************************************************** 21 Aug 98: No data due to problem with upgrade to SIGMET IRIS V6.16 at radar site ***************************************************************************************************** 22 Aug 98: No data due to problem with upgrade to SIGMET IRIS V6.16 at radar site ***************************************************************************************************** 23 Aug 98: Scattered light showers during the 4 VOSs available on this day. Data Processed: 2314-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0320Z(375 km), 1623Z(711 km) QC notes: 2314-2350Z: Moderate clutter specks near radar. Spurious clutter specks of unknown origin NW of radar (mid/far range) at 2314Z. ----> Partially Corrected - clutter specks surrounding radar were removed. Clutter specks directly at radar site remain but are included within 15 km range, therefore, they will not impact L2/L3 products. No flags needed. ***************************************************************************************************** 24 Aug 98: Scattered light/moderate showers dot the scope from 00-10Z. After 10Z and continuing throughout the remainder of the day, widespread showers and convection prevails. Several moderate/intense squalls pass directly over and near the radar. From 16-21Z, a large area of moderate/heavy rainfall moves from ENE to WSW passing over and just south of the radar. Another convective cluster moves into the radar FOV after 21Z, follows the same path, and diminishes in intensity and coverage as it passes just south of the radar. Dimming of reflectivities occurs from 2200-2210Z most likely due to incorrect procedure during solar calibration noise sampling. Data Processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0344Z(482 km), 1647Z(155 km) QC notes: 0000-2040Z: Clutter specks near radar. Some clutter is embedded in light/moderate precip and cannot be removed. ----> Partially Corrected - embedded clutter cannot be removed (see flags) 3A !!FLAG!! 1240-1250Z: Moderate/intense embedded clutter near radar. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1340-1400Z: " " 1A !!FLAG!! 1620-1630Z: " " 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1830-2040Z: " " 2050-2350Z: Light second trip echo at far range E of radar in base and second tilt, in addition to clutter speck problems near radar. ----> Partially Corrected - Most second trip echo was removed and non-embedded clutter was removed or reduced in intensity (see flags) 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2050-2130Z: Moderate/intense clutter partially or totally embedded in light precip near radar. 3A !!FLAG!! 2320Z: Light second trip echo at far range could not be completely removed due to presence of precip. * SECOND TRIP RANGE ~ 100-150 km Note: CZ images may show light showers in a pronounced block type appearance at far range. This block appearance is due to the qc algorithm removing very light 5 dBZ echo surrounding the shower cores. The 5 dBZ echo cannot be reinstated without contaminating the images with spurious echo which would then result in QC flags. Since TRMM PR resolution is too course to detect attenuation from 5 dBZ echo, this is of no concern. ***************************************************************************************************** 25 Aug 98: A few patches of light/moderate showers and small convective cells rapidly diminish near the radar from 00-04Z. Scattered light showers develop after 07Z. These showers cover most of the radar FOV. An isolated convective cell develops within a line of showers which passes directly over the radar near 1540Z. Most activity pushes West of the radar by 20Z and only isolated light showers persist through the end of the day. Data Processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0231Z(182 km), 1534Z(510 km) QC notes: 0000-0450Z: Light second trip echo (base and 2nd tilt) at mid range E of radar. Also, persistent clutter specks near radar. 0240Z VOS contains clutter specks from unknown origin at mid/far range NW of radar. ----> Partially Corrected - some second trip echo remains due to presence of precip (see flag). Clutter specks significantly reduced in intensity near radar. Clutter specks away from radar have been removed. 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0000-0020Z: Minor second trip echo E of radar could not be completely removed due to presence of precip * SECOND TRIP RANGE ~ 75 km 0500-0550Z: Clutter specks near radar (not embedded) with light precip nearby ----> Corrected - clutter specks either removed or significantly reduced in intensity. Specks directly over the radar site are within 15 km and are removed in the generation of L2/L3 products. 0600-0710Z: Clutter specks near radar (no precip echo present) ----> Corrected - all clutter removed 0720-2350Z: Clutter specks near radar. Some specks embedded within precip. ----> Partially Corrected - most clutter specks either removed or significantly reduced in intensity. Some specks are embedded within precip and could not be removed (see flags). 3A !!FLAG!! 1320Z: Intense clutter speck(s) near radar could not be removed. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1410-1430Z: " " 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1540-1610Z: " " ***************************************************************************************************** 26 Aug 98: Widespread light/moderate shower activity persists throughout the entire day, especially after 12Z. Several shower bands move directly over the radar. Dimming of reflectivities from 2040Z-2100Z due to incorrect noise sample procedure during calibration. Data Processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0255Z(682 km), 1558Z(344 km) QC notes: 0000-1510Z: Clutter specks near and surrounding radar. ----> Partially Corrected - most clutter specks either removed or significantly reduced in intensity. Some clutter could not be removed due to the presence of precip near radar (see flags). Clutter embedded in precip near radar could not be removed. 2A !!FLAG!! 0600Z: Intense clutter speck(s) near radar could not be removed. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0920-1010Z: " " 3A !!FLAG!! 1050Z: " " 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1320-1510Z: " " 1520-1900Z: Light second trip echo at mid range mainly S of radar. Clutter specks near radar are also a problem during this period. ----> Partially Corrected - most (but not all) second trip echo was removed. Some clutter specks are embedded in precip near radar and cannot be removed without removing real precip echo (see flags). 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1520-1640Z: Moderate/intense clutter speck(s) near radar could not be removed due to close proximity of precip. 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1720-1800Z: Minor second trip echo SE of radar at far range could not be completely removed. This is a very minor flag. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1810-1850Z: Moderate/intense clutter speck(s) near radar could not be removed due to close proximity of precip. Also, minor second trip echo at far range SE of radar could not be completely removed. 1910-2350Z: Clutter specks near and surrounding radar. ----> Partially Corrected - most clutter specks either removed or significantly reduced in intensity. Some clutter could not be removed due to the presence of precip near radar (see flag). Clutter embedded in precip near radar could not be removed. 3A !!FLAG!! 2220Z: Moderate/intense clutter speck(s) near radar could not be removed due to close proximity of precip. ***************************************************************************************************** 27 Aug 98: Widespread light/moderate showers quickly move toward the West out of the radar FOV during the 00Z hour. Only isolated light showers are present until after 13Z. Widespread light/ moderate showers then prevail throught the remainder of the day. Data Processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0143Z(8 km), 1445Z(317 km) QC notes: 0000-2350Z: Persistent clutter specks are present near and surrounding radar for the majority of the day. Some clutter is seen at mid/far range NW of radar. Occasional light second trip echo is present SE of the radar at mid/far range. ----> Partially Corrected - most clutter specks were either removed or significantly reduced in intensity. Clutter specks directly over the radar are within a 15 km radius and have no effect on L2/L3 products. Some clutter is partially embedded in precip and cannot be removed without also removing the real precip echo (see flags). Some minor showers were removed in this qc process. 3A !!FLAG!! 1750Z: Intense embedded clutter speck(s) could not be removed. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1840-1900Z: " " 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2330-2350Z: " " Most second trip echo was completely removed. A few very minor patches may still be present and are embedded within precip. These echoes look and behave like real precip in this case so it's difficult to make an absolute decision regarding validity. Obvious second trip echo has been removed. ***************************************************************************************************** 28 Aug 98: Widespread shower and convective activity is present for the first half of the day. Several lines of showers with embedded convective cells move from NE to SW. A well organized line of light/moderate showers with leading edge convective cells remains N of the radar and dissipates during the 06Z hour, while a large area of light/mod rain pushes into the radar FOV from the East and also dissipates. A very thin convective line (whose origin appears to be outflow from dissipating showers to the N) develops S of the radar near 0830Z. After 12Z, scattered light showers persist throughout the remainder of the day. Precip on this day originally moves from NE to SW, and then from SE to NW after 17Z. Dimming of reflectivities during the 2010Z VOS is probably due to incorrect procedure during noise sampling. Data Processed: 0000-2010Z 2200-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0030Z(638 km), 1509Z(531 km) QC notes: 0000-1030Z: Light second trip echo mainly E of radar at far range inbetween two rain shields. Also, moderate to intense clutter specks are present near and surrounding radar. Some specks are partially embedded within precip echo. ----> Partially Corrected - Some second trip echo could not be removed without also removing significant precip (see flags). Also, embedded clutter near radar could not be removed. 1A !!FLAG!! 0000-0020Z: intense embedded clutter specks near radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0230-0720Z: intense embedded clutter specks near radar and second trip echo at far range E of radar * SECOND TRIP RANGE ~ 100-150 km 1040-2350Z: Moderate/intense clutter specks near and surrounding radar - some specks are partially embedded in light precip near radar. ----> Partially Corrected - Some clutter specks were removed or significantly reduced in intensity. Other specks are either embedded in precip, or the precip is bordering on the clutter which makes removal near impossible without also removing real precip echo (see flags). 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1500-1610Z: Moderate/intense clutter specks near radar embedded in precip 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1850-1910Z: " " ***************************************************************************************************** 29 Aug 98: Scattered light to moderate showers throughout the day. No organized systems. Data Processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0054Z(204 km), 1357Z(117 km), 2342Z(449 km) QC notes: 0000-0950Z: Clutter specks near radar (and sometimes NW at far range). Some clutter is embedded in precip and cannot be removed. ----> Partially Corrected - some clutter specks are embedded (see flags) 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0740-0950Z: Intense clutter specks embedded within precip near radar. 1000-1530Z: Light second trip echo SW of radar at mid-range together with usual clutter specks near radar. ----> Partially Corrected - Most second trip and clutter removed (except for speck directly over radar site) 2A !!FLAG!! 1000Z: Intense clutter speck near radar could not be removed 3A !!FLAG!! 1440-1450Z: Moderate second trip echo SW of radar could not be removed due to presence of light precip * SECOND TRIP RANGE ~ 100 km 1540-2350Z: Second trip echo E and SE of radar. This spurious echo has much larger coverage and intensity than the echo earlier in the day. Very light specky showers are also present which makes this a difficult qc problem. Second trip echo occurs in base and second tilt images. Usual clutter speck problem is also present. ----> Partially Corrected - some second trip echo was removed at the expense of light showers. The core of the second trip echo (near 30 dBZ) could not be removed without wiping out all precip echo (see flag). Clutter away from radar has been removed. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1720-2200Z: Light to moderate second trip echo at mid/far range could not be removed due to the presence of very light showers. * SECOND TRIP RANGE ~ 120-150 km ***************************************************************************************************** 30 Aug 98: Widespread showers and convection develop into several bands which move over the radar throughout the course of the day. Unfortunately, no good TRMM overpasses. Data Processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 1421Z(717 km) QC notes: 0000-2350Z: Clutter speck problems near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is embedded in precip and cannot be removed. Also, occasional second trip echo in base and 2nd tilt at various times throughout the day. ----> Partially Corrected - Most clutter specks were removed except for those directly over the radar and embedded in precip (see flags). Second trip echo was mainly removed but some small patches still exist (see flags). Second trip echo and clutter were removed at the expense of a few light showers. This is a compromise. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0100-0120Z: Moderate/intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0150-0210Z: " " 2A !!FLAG!! 0330Z: " " 2A !!FLAG!! 0400Z: Moderate clutter specks NW of radar at mid-range 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0440-0510Z: Moderate/intense clutter spekcs embedded in light precip near radar. Also, light second trip echo SW of radar at mid/far range could not be removed. This period receives a minor flag for the second trip echo, but a major flag dominates due to the intense clutter. 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 0520-0750Z: Light to occasionally moderate second trip echo SW of radar at mid/far range. A minor (B) flag is assigned because the coverage area is very small. 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1400-1720Z: Moderate/intense clutter specks embedded in light precip near radar. Some minor second trip echo also is present SW of radar at mid/far range 2B,3B !!FLAG!! 1720-1840Z: Light to occasionally moderate second trip echo SW of radar at mid/far range. A minor (B) flag is assigned because the coverage area is very small. * SECOND TRIP RANGE ~ 100-150 km ***************************************************************************************************** 31 Aug 98: Scattered light to moderate E to W moving bands of showers with embedded convective cells cover the scope from 00-15Z. After 17Z, new showers and convection develops and moves from S to N. Near 20Z, a large convective cluster is located N of the radar from 50-100 km range. A broken thin line of convective cells develops SE of the radar during the 23Z hour. Data Processed: 0000-2350Z Satellite Coincidence: 0006Z(402 km), 1308Z(75 km), 2253Z(262 km) QC notes: 0000-1350Z: Usual clutter speck problems near and surrounding radar. Some clutter is embedded in precip. Also, second trip echo is becoming an extreme annoyance. Light second trip echo is found in the base and 2nd tilt images mainly E and SW of the radar. ----> Partially Corrected - Second trip echo was removed. Most clutter specks (except for those embedded) were removed (see flags). A few light showers were removed during this qc process, but the tradeoff is acceptable. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0110-0310Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip near radar. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 0430-0800Z: " " 3A !!FLAG!! 0940-0950Z: " " 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1120-1230Z: " " 1400-1730Z: Moderate/intense clutter specks near and surrounding radar. ----> Corrected - clutter specks removed except for those directly over radar. 1740-2210Z: Light second trip echo SW of radar at mid-range plus clutter specks near radar. ----> Partially Corrected - second trip echo was removed. Embedded clutter specks could not be removed. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 1920-2030Z: Intense clutter specks embedded in precip near radar. 2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2200-2210Z: " " 2220-2350Z: Moderate/intense clutter specks near and surrounding radar (some embedded). ----> Partially Corrected - some clutter is embedded and cannot be removed. 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! 2220-2330Z: Intense clutter specks are embedded in precip near radar. *****************************************************************************************************