HYDRORAD

Integrated advanced distribuited system for hydro-meteorological monitoring and forecasting using low-cost high-performance X-band mini-radar and cellular network infracstructures

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Three SMEs from Italy, Greece and Cyprus have formed a consortium, named HYDRORAD, to develop a unique state-of-the-art hydro-meteorological observational-modelling system, based on network of advanced low-cost mini X-band polarimetric radars. HYDRORAD will greatly enhance our ability to observe, measure, and estimate parameters of rainstorms and hailstorms with consequential improvements in the prediction of floods and the management of water resources. The modular and cellular structure of the HYDRORAD radar observation network would facilitate: i) high flexibility in selecting and changing the critical area for hydro-meteorological monitoring and forecasting, civil protection support and agriculture management; and ii) exploitation of existing cellular-phone radio-base station towers as a mean to use those facilities to minimize the impact of new civil constructions for the radar network infrastructure. The objectives of the HYDRORAD proposal are: 1. to optimise X-band mini-radar system characteristics in terms of the best tradeoffs between costs and performances for hydro-meteorological applications and to implement, improve and validate precipitation algorithms to process X-band mini-radar network data measurements; 2. to develop robust techniques for hydrological nowcasting driven by the X-band mini-radar network data and to set up an integrated tool for short-to-medium-range forecasting using coupled hydro-meteorological models and assimilation schemes; 3. to develop protocols and procedures to exploit the network of cellular towers to implement large regional X-band mini-radar network coverage and to test the integrated systems and tools in real-time within social and economical context of a developing country, such as Moldova. The HYDRORAD integrated system will be promoted by the SME consortium in the market as a competitive solution to the problem of (1) flood and flash flood forecasting in areas with poor coverage by operational national w'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Many businesses, in commercial and industrial sectors are profoundly influenced by the weather and require applications and tools tailored to their needs. An EU-backed project has created an innovative, small-scale radar system coupled with an innovative support software tools.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

With the growing prevalence of extreme weather events, weather-related and hydrological hazards are among the most critical environmental issues faced today. Radar observations have provided invaluable quantitative information on the spatial distribution of rainfall and floods, which is useful for both meteorological and hydrological applications. Applications that can be utilised by weather-vulnerable business sectors are an important emerging use of meteorological and hydrological information systems.

With funding from the EU, the http://www.himet.it/hydrorad/ (HYDRORAD) project worked on developing innovative radar remote-sensing technologies and software-based business support tools to handle severe weather, water resources and climate information. These technologies are destined for use in industry, including transportation, insurance, tourism and agriculture, not to mention government-run emergency management agencies.

Comprising innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and cutting-edge research centres, the HYDRORAD consortium designed a number of software applications and technologies. These included three upgraded X-band mini-radars to provide high-resolution quantitative precipitation estimates over relatively small ranges, such as urban areas, small-scale catchment basins or extended agricultural domains (HYDROSYS). The project also worked on a number of radar algorithms (HYDROALG) and hydro-meteorological models (HYDROWAT and HYDROMET).Data post-processing software and analysis tools was also involved (HYDRONET).

During the project, all the components of HYDRORAD were tested in field trials in Moldova and found to function properly and satisfactorily most of the time.

The global weather services market is worth billions of euros, and its impact is in the trillions. It also has an important social and environmental role. As markets in emerging economies mature, the forecast for this market is bright, representing a global opportunity for HYDRORAD's proven research results.