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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Environment & Climate

Taiwan launches first dual-frequency mobile weather radar

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Taiwan's Central Weather Administration launched the nation's first dual-frequency mobile weather radar, costing NT$100 million.
  • The radar uses X-band and Ka-band frequencies to simultaneously observe rainfall systems and cloud development, providing more detailed meteorological data.
  • This advanced technology aims to enhance disaster prevention and response capabilities, especially in areas with complex terrain.

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration has deployed a groundbreaking dual-frequency mobile weather radar, a NT$100 million investment aimed at significantly boosting the nation's ability to monitor severe weather events. Launched at the Hushan Reservoir in Yunlin County, this mobile unit represents a major leap from traditional fixed radar systems.

According to Deputy Director Hong Jing-shan, the radar's X-band frequency acts like a "telescope," effectively tracking the structure and evolution of rainfall systems. Simultaneously, the Ka-band frequency functions as a "microscope," detecting fine details such as tiny cloud droplets, ice crystals, and low-altitude clouds. This dual-frequency capability allows for a more comprehensive understanding of cloud development and precipitation processes, crucial for improving disaster preparedness and scientific research.

The X-band radar acts like a telescope, effectively grasping the structure and evolution of rainfall systems, while the Ka-band radar acts like a microscope, detecting fine features such as tiny cloud droplets, ice crystals, and low-altitude clouds.

— Hong Jing-shanDeputy Director of the Central Weather Administration explaining the dual-frequency capabilities of the new radar.

The mobile nature of the radar addresses limitations of fixed systems, which can be affected by geographical obstructions like mountains. Initially stationed at Hushan Reservoir to enhance monitoring in central Taiwan, the radar is slated for relocation to Wufenshan next year. It will later move to Hualien to support regional rainfall observations during the typhoon season. The agency also plans to integrate its data with existing radar networks to create a seamless observation grid.

Beyond its immediate disaster response applications, the radar will serve as a vital tool for scientific research. "Accurate weather forecasting requires not only good tools and observations but also a solid scientific foundation," Hong stated. The high-resolution data collected will support both domestic and international atmospheric science research, contributing to a deeper understanding of severe weather phenomena.

Accurate weather forecasting requires not only good tools and observations but also a solid scientific foundation.

— Hong Jing-shanDeputy Director of the Central Weather Administration emphasizing the research applications of the new radar.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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