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Analysis of Weather Radar Datasets through the Implementation of a Gridded Rainfall-Runoff Model

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Abstract

This study develops a methodological framework to analyze raw weather radar datasets of fine temporal and spatial scale by implementing them into rainfall-runoff simulations. Since there is uncertainty in radar datasets, this study focuses on the error margins that can be produced in the discharge when various radar reflectivities (Z) are applied in rainfall rate (R) relationships. A gridded rainfall-runoff model is devised based on the time-area diagram method to be applicable in ungauged basins. The study area chosen is the rural part of the Sarantapotamos basin, located in west Attica, Greece, which is the largest subbasin within the observation area of the National Technical University (NTUA) X-Band weather radar. Five Z-R relationships are used to simulate a total of six convective and stratiform events. The results highlight the correlation of the Z-R relationship to the storm type, indicating that a proper Z-R relationship should be used in each case. Specifically, it is found that convective events are more sensitive to the Z-R relationship used than the respective stratiform ones. A stratiform-based relationship tends to increase rainfall volume, while a convective-based relationship tends to decrease it. Furthermore, it is shown that using an inappropriate Z-R in a convective event might lead to unrealistic values, whereas in a stratiform event, its impact can be negligible. Since the discharge is what determines whether any flood Early Warning System (EWS) issues the appropriate warnings, these results are deemed important for the correct assimilation of weather radar datasets.

Highlights

  • Weather radar implementation in rainfall–runoff simulations needs proper Z-R calibration.

  • The use of stratiform-based Z-R relationships on convective events is not advised.

  • Stratiform-based Z-R relationships feature the highest peak flows.

  • Intensity-Duration-Frequency curves can be used as a metric of proper Z-R application.

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Data Availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Code Availability

Not applicable.

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Funding

This research is co-financed by Greece and the European Union (European Social Fund- ESF) through the Operational Programme «Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning» in the context of the project "Strengthening Human Resources Research Potential via Doctorate Research – 2nd Cycle" (MIS-5000432), implemented by the State Scholarships Foundation (ΙΚΥ).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 5 Iroon Polytechniou, 15780, Athens, Greece

    Apollon Bournas & Evangelos Baltas

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  1. Apollon Bournas
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  2. Evangelos Baltas
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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Apollon Bournas. Supervision, validation, review, and editing were performed by Evangelos Baltas. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Apollon Bournas, and both authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Apollon Bournas.

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Bournas, A., Baltas, E. Analysis of Weather Radar Datasets through the Implementation of a Gridded Rainfall-Runoff Model. Environ. Process. 10, 7 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-023-00621-2

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