The application of optimization method to determine new Z-R relationship for Butterworth Radar, Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

This project is to obtain new Z-R parameter for Radar Butterworth. Z-R parameter is to estimate the rainfall. Marshall and Palmer had proposed parameters for Z-R to estimate rainfall in 1947. The equation is written in the form Z = 200R1.6. Even so, it is still new in Malaysia. There is some importance in estimating the rain to us. Among its importance is that it can estimate rainfall for dealing with natural disasters such as floods and landslides. Based on previous research, Marshall Palmer equation is not suitable for use in Malaysia. Therefore Z-R parameter for radar Butterworth should be renewed. Z-R parameter in Butterworth Radar needs to be ensured to obtain a more accurate estimate. After doing a comparison between equations Marshall Palmer with rain gauge data, the results showed there was have great error. The parameter that proposed by Marshall and Palmer are shows that there are no longer suitable for use by Butterworth Radar. The initial value for the parameter equation Z-R was determined by using sensitivity analysis. Calibration process is done by using the initial value from sensitivity analysis. After the calibration process was done, the new parameter A was determine and the result is 53. After the validation process, it proves that the new parameter for Z-R relationship is appropriate to estimate rainfall in Malaysia, particularly for Butterworth Radar. In conclusion, the new Z-R parameter for Radar Butterworth is Z =53R1.6. By use of the new Z-R parameter, weather radar can improve the accuracy of estimates of rain. Therefore, it can be used to deal with natural disasters such as landslides and floods.