Evaluation of power function approximation of NEXRAD and rain gauge based precipitation estimates

• Other Authors: Mayes-Fernandez, Mario.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Florida Atlantic University
• Subjects: Radar meteorology > Technological innovations; Weather forecasting > Technological innovations; Precipitation (Meteorology) > Measurement; Weather control > Mathematical models
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/367761

Radar rainfall estimates have become a decision making tool for scientists, engineers and water managers in their tasks for developing hydrologic models, water supply planning, restoration of ecosystems, and flood control. In the present study, the utility of a power function for linking the rain gauge and radar estimates has been assessed. Mean daily rainfall data from 163 rain gauges installed within the South Florida Water Management District network have been used and their records from January 1st, 2002 to October 31st, 2007 analyzed. Results indicate that the power function coefficients and exponents obtained by using a non-linear optimization formulation, show spatial variability mostly affected by type of rainfall events occurring in the dry or wet seasons, and that the linear distance from the radar location to the rain gauge has a significant effect on the computed values of the coefficients and exponents. === by Mario Mayes-Fernandez. === Thesis (M.S.C.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2009. === Includes bibliography. === Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2009. Mode of access: World Wide Web.