Underwater
acoustic measurements of rainfall can be used to detect and classify marine
rainfall type and subsequently quantify the rainfall rate and its drop size
distributions. These measurements if proven robust and accurate can be used
to (1) provide continuous measurements of precipitation characteristics in
the Oceans and (2) as in situ reference to physically validate satellite
observations. In turn, the acoustic measurements of rain need to be
evaluated using near-range high-quality weather radar and if possible
co-located rain gauge arrays and disdrometers.
These type of data are available from the POSEIDON II buoy in Ionian Sea
(west of Pylos) operated by the Hellenic Centre
for Marine Research (HCMR) and represents a unique data set worldwide to
pursue this concept. Dr. Nystuen is the world
leader in the interpretation of the underwater sound to measure rainfall.
By working closely with scientists from HCMR Dr. Nystuen
was able to transfer knowledge and understanding of the technique to
European scientists and allow them to become competitive for future grants
applying the acoustical measurement of rainfall to validate radar and
satellite rainfall observations and other related opportunities.
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