Ep66 - How Satellites Help Us Measure Rainfall More Accurately in the Philippines

How do scientists make sure our weather radars are actually accurate? In this episode, climatologist Dr. Irene Crisologo explains how she used satellite data to calibrate ground-based weather radars in the Philippines and overcoming challenges like beam blockage from mountains and urban structures. We also trace her journey from physics to geology and climatology, and how she turned her love for drawing into science communication. #RadarScience #ClimatePH #ScienceCommunication #PinoyScientist

⌛Chapters

00:00 Radar and Satellite Analysis of Rain

00:50 Podcast and Partners Introduction

04:00 Meet Our Guest

09:35 Moving from Physics to Geology and Climatology

13:20 Developing Radar Research and Science Communication

19:53 Understanding Beam Blockage and Radar Measurements

28:49 Introduction to Dr. Irene's Research

32:40 Analysis of Rain Measuring Instruments

34:44 Importance of Calibration in Radar Data

42:02 Analysis and Calibration Methods

48:49 Data Access and Research Challenges

52:31 Research and Analysis Experiences

58:06 Tips for Beginning Researchers

📚Reference:

Crisologo, I., Warren, R. A., Mühlbauer, K., & Heistermann, M. (2018). Enhancing the consistency of spaceborne and ground-based radar comparisons by using beam blockage fraction as a quality filter. Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, 11(9), 5223-5236.

🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.