A Parametric Time Domain Method for Spectral Moment Estimation and Clutter Mitigation for Weather Radars

Abstract

Abstract A parametric time domain method (PTDM) for clutter mitigation and precipitation spectral moments’ estimation for weather radars is introduced. Use of PTDM allows for the simultaneous estimation of clutter and precipitation echo spectral moments. It is shown that this approach leads to accurate estimates of precipitation spectral moments in the presence of clutter. Based on simulations, the PTDM performance is evaluated and compared against the clutter spectral filtering technique. In this study special attention is paid to the cases of strong clutter contamination. Furthermore, both methods, the PTDM and spectral clutter filter, are illustrated using the Colorado State University–University of Chicago–Illinois State Water Survey (CSU–CHILL) observations.