Operational mode

A combination of three observation modes will be used in the operation of the COBRA system.

Steady Observation Mode

To carry out time series analysis, observations at elevation angles of 0.4° and 1.0° will be performed every 5 or 10 minutes.

Detailed Observation Mode

The observation area will be limited according to the subject, to allow for detailed polarization observations.

Campaign Observation Mode

This mode is used for campaign observations, such as continuous observations during typhoons and coordinated observations.

An algorithm is presently being developed to automatically determine times and observation areas when switching to detailed observation mode, based on data acquired in steady observation mode.

Example of COBRA Observation

Following is sample data for rainfall around the Okinawa main island, observed on Feb. 2, 2002.
The figure shows the horizontal distribution of the radar reflectivity factor (Z) at an altitude of 2 km. Heavy rainfall is represented by the regions in red, and the blue and green regions indicate areas of light rainfall.

Example of rainfall observation (02/02/2002)