Are WSR-88Ds classified as simultaneous or switched dual-pol radars?

WSR-88Ds, or Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler systems, are classified as simultaneous dual-polarization radars. This classification is significant because simultaneous dual-polarization technology allows the radar to transmit and receive horizontal and vertical polarizations at the same time. This capability enhances the radar's ability to detect and analyze different types of precipitation, including rain, snow, and hail, as well as providing more detailed information about the size, shape, and phase of the particles being observed.

Simultaneous dual-polarization gives meteorologists the advantage of improved precipitation estimation and the ability to differentiate between various hydrometeor types. In contrast, switched dual-polarization radars would alternate between horizontal and vertical transmission, which could lead to less accurate readings and longer processing times. Thus, the classification of the WSR-88D as simultaneous emphasizes its advanced technological capabilities in weather observation and analysis.