Dropsondes are disposable sensor packages that are dropped from an aircraft to collect meteorological information. Dropsondes typically collect temperature, pressure, and humidity information as they fall. The dropsondes that we worked with are used in hurricanes and their forecasting information would be greatly augmented by having precipitation density information.
To provide this information we have adapted a 24 GHz radar originally developed for automotive collision avoidance to provide the precipitation density that we need. As the radar falls, it will send out a continuous wave radar signal and use the reflected power to determine the density of rainfall within 10 m of the dropsonde. With this information, hurricane intensity prediction can be improved leading to more precise and timely evacuations.
The Resistance would like to acknowledge Professor Albin Gasiewski and Mark Beaubien of Yankee Environmental Systems, Inc. for their support.