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terminal Doppler weather radar
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terminal Doppler weather radar

radar technology
Also known as: TDWR
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Quick Summary

Terminal Doppler weather radar (TDWR) is a specialized radar system designed to detect dangerous microbursts near airports. These microbursts are strong downdrafts that create hazardous wind shear, posing a significant risk to aircraft during landing and takeoff.1

TDWR operates on C-band frequencies (5.60 to 5.65 GHz) to avoid interference with other radar systems. Similar to the National Weather Service's Nexrad system, TDWR utilizes the Doppler frequency shift to measure the radial velocity of precipitation. This allows it to identify rotating weather patterns and wind shear by detecting wind moving towards and away from the radar. TDWR provides shorter-range observations compared to Nexrad, focusing specifically on the immediate vicinity of airports.1

The development of Doppler weather radar, including TDWR, marked a significant improvement in meteorological technology. By measuring the Doppler frequency shift, these radars can determine wind speeds and storm motions, providing crucial information for severe weather warnings and aviation safety.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. radar - Doppler weather radar
  2. weather forecasting - Application of radar

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