Doppler keeps eye on weather disturbances

Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Nov 1 (UNI) Even as cyclonic storm 'Ogni' was wreaking havoc in coastal districts of the state as it crossed Kavili, the 'Doppler' weather radar was tracking the movement of the system, according to the India Meteorlogical Department (IMD).

Talking to UNI here, a spokesman said using sophisticated technology, the Doppler Radar determines the movements of targets either towards or away from its transmitter.

It measures reflectivity, radial velocity and spectral width through suitable processing and using additional sophisticated algorithms, it tracks the movement of storms and wind profile.

Because of this, the meteorologists can view weather events in greater detail and precisely estimate the intensity of the cyclone leading to better estimation of sea surge and wind damage potential.

He further said as many 92 severe cyclones hit the East Coast in the last 106 years (1900-2006) with Andhra Pradesh bearing the brunt of 82 cyclones including recent Ogni.

The spokesman said the IMD was contemplating to set up two more Doppler Radars -- one at Kavali and another at Paradeep in Orissa in East Coast.

Presently, the radars were functioning at Machilipatnam, Chennai, Kolkata and at SHAR Centre in Sriharikota. One more was coming up at Visakapatnam.

UNI XR SB RAI1319