Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) is an advanced remote sensing technology used to observe and measure properties of clouds and precipitation within the Earth's...
A CPR is a specialized radar system designed to measure the vertical structure of clouds and precipitation, providing detailed information about their properties, altitude, and movement within the atmosphere.
It emits microwave pulses that penetrate clouds. By analyzing the reflected signals (echoes) from water droplets and ice crystals, it determines their size, distribution, velocity, and the cloud's internal structure.
CPRs are crucial for improving weather forecasts, enhancing climate models by better understanding cloud feedback mechanisms, and studying atmospheric processes like precipitation formation and severe weather development.
They are deployed on ground-based observatories, aircraft for specific research campaigns, and, most significantly, on Earth-orbiting satellites to provide global coverage for atmospheric and climate research.