Agricultural Insect Pests and the NEXRAD (WSR-88D) Radar System: Separation of Meteorological/Insect Signals and Application to Large-Scale Insect Migration

There is growing evidence that the WSR-88D reflectivity and Doppler velocity are intermittently contaminated by insects and birds. However, this problem is not widely recognized and is presently the subject of only limited investigation.

A research proposal prospectus was submitted to NOAA involving the collaboration of OU, University of Illinois, U.S. Department of Agriculture/ Agricultural Research Service (USDA/ARS), and Radar Unit - Natural Resources Institute (United Kingdom) outlining a comprehensive set of research and development activities that would address the problem and proposes a focused "proof-of-concept" pilot study to initiate the endeavor.

A key ingredient is the operation of a 3-cm Vertically Looking Radar (VLR) in conjunction with WSR-88D radars and NOAA 404-MHz Wind Profilers. The VLR can provide unique aerodynamic characterization of airborne insects.

The ultimate objective is to exploit combined capabilities of VLR and WSR-88D to (a) remove insect "noise" from meteorological signal and (b) generate a routine near-nationwide monitoring system for agricultural insect pests.