Spatial scale data requirements using NEXRAD (WSR-88D) for accurate hydrologic prediction in urban watersheds

The deployment of the WSR-88D (NEXRAD) radar by the National Weather Service in 1992 has created the possibility for enhancing flood warning systems. Due to the improved spatial resolution of the radar, a better hydrologic prediction is possible on a real-time basis. Rainfall rates can currently be derived from radar data real-time at a resolution of 16 km2, whereas post-processing of the radar data can yield rainfall rates at a resolution a small as 1 km2. This study examined the scale effects of the radar-rainfall input on the hydrologic prediction at two urban watersheds during two recent severe storms and compared the results the hydrologic prediction using rain gages and to the observed hydrograph. Small deviations were observed with the different grid scales, but these differences were considered minor compared to other unknowns in hydrologic modeling. Additionally, lead-times were quantified for both bayous.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering

Grantor

Rice University

Year dc:date.issued

2000

Author dc:creator

• Hoblit, Brian Charles

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bedient, Philip B.

• Hydrology
• Civil engineering

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17343

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.rice.edu:1911/17343