NWS Radar Integrated Display with Geospatial Elements 1 (RIDGE 1)

The National Weather Service (NWS) Radar Integrated Display with Geospatial Elements 1 (RIDGE 1) depicts national and regional mosaics of radar products. These georeferenced radar images (GIFs) can be displayed in combination with geospatial elements such as NWS-issued warning areas, topography maps, highways, and geopolitical boundaries. There are four RIDGE 1 products: 1) Base Reflectivity; 2) Composite Reflectivity; 3) One-hour Precipitation; and 4) Echo Tops. Base Reflectivity is taken from the lowest 1/2 degree elevation radar scan. Reflectivity (measured in dBZ) is related to the power, or intensity, of the reflected radiation that is sensed a radar antenna, thus it is related to rainfall intensity (e.g., drop size and rainfall rate) and hail size (for large values of reflectivity). Composite Reflectivity utilizes all elevation scans during each volume scan. It is composed of the greatest echo intensity (reflectivity) from any elevation angle seen from the radar and is used to reveal the highest reflectivity in all echoes. One-hour Precipitation is an hourly radar-estimate of precipitation accumulation (in inches). It is used to assess rainfall intensities for flash flood warnings, urban flood statements and special weather statements. Echo Tops are the height (in Kft) above ground of the center of the radar beam using the tilt, or scan that contains the highest elevation where reflectivities greater than 18 dBZ can be detected. The mosaic regions covered by RIDGE 1 are the Continental U.S. (National), Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.