MSC’s Radar Network How do the radars work? Current Weather
La Xarxa de Radars del Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (XRAD)
Meteorological radars are observation instruments that allow rainfall and its likely intensity to be detected from a great distance. This ability makes these radars essential tools to monitor and forecast situations of extremely heavy rainfall in order to minimize the effects of downpours on people and property. The radars are also very useful in situations of ordinary rainfall to make routine estimates of rainfall with a highly seasonal nature and spatial distribution, which can be used for many hydrological purposes.
The Meteorological Service of Catalonia (SMC) has four radars in its Radar Network (XRAD). The XRAD has been designed to provide quantitative rainfall estimates of high meteorological and hydrological interest. These radars are of the Doppler type and operate on C-band. The XRAD comprises the Vallirana radar, the Puig d’Arques radar, the Panadella radar and the Tivissa-Llaberia radar.
The Vallirana Radar
This meteorological radar is a Kavouras-3070 model and stands at Puig Bernat (626m) in the municipality of Vallirana (Baix Llobregat). The radar was installed by the University of Barcelona for research purposes in 1996 and has been owned by the SMC since 2001. In 2003 a series of actions were taken to improve it and bring it in line with the other radars in the network, most notably updating the antenna and receptor controller and the digital processor.
The Puig d'Arques radar
The Puig d'Arques radar is a Radtec-4370 model and was installed in 2002. The building stands 19 metres high at the summit of Puig d'Arques (535m) in the middle of the Gavarres Massif in the municipality of Cruïlles, Monells and Sant Sadurní de l’Heura (Baix Empordà).
On installing the radar, efforts were made to integrate it with the landscape and rehabilitate the surrounding environment, such as the dolmen. A floor of the tower was also fitted out for forestry surveillance to replace the former watchtower..
This infrastructure was co-financed
by the European Regional Development Fund.
The Panadella radar
This radar was installed in 2008 on the summit of La Miranda (925 m) in the Llaberia mountain range in the municipality of Tivissa (Ribera d’Ebre). It is an EXTOP-03 model from MCV, S.A., like the one at La Panadella. It features an innovative independent power supply as environmental impact studies advised against installing an electrical power line to avoid an adverse impact on this very valuable environment. The system combines a co-generation set powered by liquid propane gas and solar panels to provide the electricity and air conditioning/heating for the building.
The Tivissa-Llaberia radar
El radar, instalado en el año 2008, está en el pico de La Miranda (925 m), en la sierra de Llaberia, municipio de Tivissa (Ribera d'Ebre). Se trata de un modelo EXTOP-03 de MCV SA, igual que el de La Panadella. Destaca su innovador sistema autónomo de suministro eléctrico, ya que los estudios de impacto ambiental desaconsejaron la construcción de una línea eléctrica en esta zona de gran valor paisajístico. Este sistema combina un grupo de cogeneración de gas propano licuado y placas solares para proporcionar electricidad y climatización al edificio.
This infrastructure was co-financed
by the European Regional Development Fund.
Photos: TN Produccions.
