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Radial Velocity
Radial Velocity
The component of motion either toward or away from the radar looking in the direction of the radar beam.
Interpreting Radial Velocity
Interpreting Radial Velocity
Red is away from the radar (+)
Green is towards the radar (-)
Helpful Acronyms:
PANT: Positive Away, Negative Towards
GIRO: Green in, Red out
Image Description: Interpreting Radial Velocity 1
The green represents movement toward the radar.
The red represents movement away from the radar.
This image depicts the wind direction as from the southeast. (Southeasterly wind)
Radial velocities are used to pick out features such as mesocyclones, tornadoes, and temperature advection.
Radial velocities can also be used in a situation where winds are moving in a straight line, indicating a squall line.
Image Description: Interpreting Radial Velocity 2
The image on the right shows base velocity for the same squall line in the left image. Green values represent movement toward the radar and red values represent movement away from the radar.
In this case, a TVS (tornado vortex signature) can be seen northwest of the radar.
A small area that shows both towards and away from the radar (as well as strong wind speeds) indicates rotation.
*Note the hook echo in the reflectivity.
Image Description: TVS
The image on the left is taken at the same time but is the radial velocity associated with the event. The green and red colors are intertwined, meaning you have rotation.
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