LAB #1 - INTRODUCTION TO SOLO

LAB OVERVIEW:
 

SOLO:

• setting the DORADE_DIR environmental variable
• changing the frame configuration
• stepping forward, backward
• changing magnification
• changing field to plot
• changing scale of field
• changing color scale type
• changing range rings
• data in small frames
• changing sweep file
• changing the DORADE_DIR
• saving image as a gif file
• editing the gif file

IDV:

• Loading data into the IDV
• Changing Color Scales
• Exporting .kmz
• Loading exported files into Google Earth

1.  In your home directory, create a subdirectory called "remote".

Move into your remote directory and create a subdirectory called lab1.

Save images you are about to create and input answers to the questions in a file called "lab1.html".  This file should be saved in your "lab1" directory.

2.  Set your DORADE_DIR environmental variable to /mnt/arch/cases/12aug91.

• In one large window, plot the radar reflectivity field at 22:51:34 UTC.  Use a magification on 1.  Save this image as "one.png" and place it in your web page.

• Now, center the image at AZ: 300 degrees, RANGE: 40 km.  Change the magnification to 3.  Save this image as "two.png" and place it in your web page.

• Now, create a two-panel display, with radar reflectivity (DZ) in the left panel and Doppler Velocity (VR) in the right-hand pannel.  The reflectivity scale should be centered on 5 with a step of 3.  The velocity scale should be centered on 0 with a step of 1.5.  Change the grid overlay such that the range rings are plotted every 10 km and the azimuth lines are plotted every 15 degrees and are colored red.  Save this image as "three.png" and place in your web page.

• Briefly explain what you think is happening/being displayed meteorologically in this data.

3.  Now, change your data directory to /mnt/arch/cases/03may99.

• What data fields are in this data set?

• Change the time to 23:52:41 UTC.

• Create a four-panel display showing all fields (one field will be displayed in two windows).  Select appropriate color scales for each field.  Set the magnification at an appropriate setting such that the storm closest to the radar is clearly displayed.  Save this image as "four.png" and place in your web page.

• Meteorologically, what do you see in this data?

4.  Now open the data set in /mnt/arch/cases/24jul91.

• Save an example of a PPI scan in this data set (five.png).

• Save an example of an RHI scan in this data set (six.png).

• Based on the RHI data, is the convection observed severe or not?  Explain.

5.  Reopen the /mnt/arch/cases/03may99 data set.

• Pick a time between 23-00 UTC and plot the 0.5 degree radar reflectivity data.  Zoom in on a prevalent storm near the radar.

• Export this image as a .kmz file

• Now load it into Google Earth

• Comment on the size of the storm relative to towns nearby.  Save a Google Earth image showing the satellite and superimposed radar data supporting your discussion.  This image can be called seven.png.