Subj : Weather Glossary (R)
To : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Tue Feb 19 2019 12:09 am
This weather glossary contains information on more than 2000 terms,
phrases and abbreviations used by the National Weather Service (NWS)...
the government agency who makes weather forecasts, and issues weather
advisories, watches, and warnings, for the United States, and its
territories.
Many of these terms and abbreviations are used by NWS forecasters to
communicate between each other and have been in use for many years and
before many NWS products were directly available to the public. It is the
purpose of this glossary to aid you in better understanding NWS products.
***
R
Rain
RA
Rain
RADAP II
RAdar DAta Processor II, attached to some WSR-57 and WSR-74 radar units.
It automatically controls the tilt sequence and computes several
radar-derived quantities at regular intervals, including VIL, storm tops,
accumulated rainfall, etc.
RADAR
Acronym for RAdio Detection And Ranging; a radio device or system for
locating an object by means of ultrahigh-frequency radio waves reflected
from the object and received, observed, and analyzed by the receiving
part of the device in such a way that characteristics (as distance and
direction) of the object may be determined.
Radar Beam
The straight line that a radar pulse travels along. As the radar beam
gets further away from the radar, it gets wider and wider. In order for
a precipitation target to be detected by the radar, it must fill the
entire radar beam; therefore, the radar will have a difficult time
detecting small showers and thunderstorms at a great distance from the
radar.
Radar Coded Message
This is an alphanumeric coded message which will be used in preparation of
a national radar summary chart. It is automatically produced by the
WSR-88D's Radar Product Generator (RPG) in 3 parts (reflectivities, storm
motion, and echo tops).
Radar Cross Section
The area of a fictitious, perfect reflector of electromagnetic waves
(e.g., metal sphere) that would reflect the same amount of energy back to
the radar as the actual target (e.g., lumpy snowflake).
Radar Data Acquisition
An acronym for Radar Data Acquisition. The RDA is the hardware component
of the NEXRAD system that consists of the radar antenna, transmitter,
receiver, tower, and controlling computer. The RDA collects the
unprocessed, analog voltages from the radar antenna and converts the
signal to base reflectivity , base velocity, and spectrum width (in polar
coordinate form). These "wide-band" products are transmitted to the RPG,
which creates and disseminates end-user products. Also: The RDA is the
origination point of the WSR-88D radar data that will be eventually used
by the radar operator. This WSR-88D component group is made up of several
subcomponents which generate and radiate radio frequency (RF) pulses,
receive reflected energy from those pulses, and process this received
energy into digital base data. The RDA is also the site of the first two
of four data recording levels used by the WSR-88D to record and store
radar data.
Radar Meteorology
Branch of meteorology that uses radars for weather observations and
forecasts.
Radar Mosaic
A radar product that combines information from multiple radars to give a
regional or national view of reflectivity or precipitation. An individual
NEXRAD radar is limited to a range of about 200 miles. Typically, a
mosaic product is produced for regions spanning several hundreds to
several thousands of miles. Mosaic products are produced by vendors
external to the NEXRAD system.
Radar Product Generator (RPG)
The RPG is the computer in the NEXRAD system that receives
polar-coordinate base radar data from the RDA and processes these data
into end-user products. Algorithms are utilized for pattern-recognition,
rainfall estimation, computation of VIL and other products. The RPG
communicates these products to end-users. A specific subset of available
products is always generated for the NIDS vendors for distribution
outside of the NWS, DoD, and FAA. Other products are generated by the
RPG upon request from a PUP.
Radar Range
Distance from the radar antenna. The WSR-88D radar has a range for
velocity products out to 124 nautical miles and reflectivity products
out to 248 nautical miles.
Radar Reflectivity
The sum of all backscattering cross-sections (e.g., precipitation
particles) in a pulse resolution volume divided by that volume. The
radar reflectivity can be related to the radar reflectivity factor
through the dielectric constant term |K|^2, and the radar wavelength.
Radar Reflectivity Factor (z)
z = the sum (over i) of (N_i * D_i^6), where N_i is the number of drops
of diameter D_i in a pulse resolution volume. Note that z may be
expressed in linear or logarithmic units. The radar reflectivity factor
is simply a more meteorologically meaningful way of expressing the radar
reflectivity.
Radial Velocity
Component of motion toward or away from a given location. As "seen" by
Doppler radar, it is the component of motion parallel to the radar beam.
(The component of motion perpendicular to the beam cannot be seen by the
radar. Therefore, strong winds blowing strictly from left to right or
from right to left, relative to the radar, can not be detected.)
Radiance
A measure of the intensity of the radiant energy flux emitted by a body
in a given direction.
Radiation
Energy transport through electromagnetic waves. See shortwave radiation
and longwave radiation.
Radiation Fog
A fog that forms when outgoing longwave radiation cools the near-surface
air below its dew point temperature.
Radiation Laws
The four physical laws which fundamentally describe the behavior of
blackbody radiation: Kirchhoff's law, Planck's law, Stefan-Boltzmann law
and Wien's displacement law.
Radiational Cooling
The cooling of the Earth's surface. At night, the Earth suffers a net
heat loss to space due to terrestrial cooling. This is more pronounced
when you have a clear sky.
Radiational Inversion
Used interchangably with Nocturnal Inversion; a temperature inversion that
develops during the night as a result of radiational cooling of the
surface. Because the immediate surface (lower Boundary Layer) cools much
more rapidly during these conditions than the air just above (upper
Boundary Layer), a temperature inversion can be created overnight, but
typically erodes quickly after sunrise.
Radio Emission
Emissions of the sun in radio wavelengths from centimeters to dekameters,
under both quiet and disturbed conditions.
Type I. A noise storm composed of many short, narrow-band bursts in the
metric range (300 - 50 MHz).
Type II. Narrow-band emission that begins in the meter range (300 MHz)
and sweeps slowly (tens of minutes) toward dekameter wavelengths
(10 MHz). Type II emissions occur in loose association with major FLAREs
and are indicative of a shock wave moving through the solar atmosphere.
Type III. Narrow-band bursts that sweep rapidly (seconds) from decimeter
to dekameter wavelengths (500 - 0.5 MHz). They often occur in groups and
are an occasional feature of complex solar ACTIVE REGIONs.
Type IV. A smooth continuum of broad-band bursts primarily in the meter
range (300 - 30 MHz). These bursts are associated with some major flare
events beginning 10 to 20 minutes after the flare maximum, and can last
for hours.
Radio Event
Flares with Centimetric Bursts and/or definite Ionospheric Event (SID).
Radiofacsimile
Also known as HF FAX, radiofax or weatherfax, is a means of broadcasting
graphic weather maps and other graphic images via HF radio. HF radiofax is
also known as WEFAX, although this term is generally used to refer to the
reception of weather charts and imagery via satellite. Maps are received
using a dedicated radiofax receiver or a single sideband shortwave
receiver connected to an external facsimile recorder or PC equipped with
a radiofax interface and application software.
Radiofax
Abbreviation for radiofacsimile
Radioisotope Snow Gage
A snow water equivalent gage based on the absorption of gamma radiation
by snow; this gage can measure up to 55 inches water equivalent with a
2 to 5 percent error.
Radiosonde
An instrument that is carried aloft by a balloon to send back information
on atmospheric temperature, pressure and humidity by means of a small,
expendable radio transmitter. Radiosondes can be tracked by radar, radio
direction finding, or navigation systems (such as the satellite Global
Positioning System) to obtain wind data. See also rawinsonde.
Radius of Maximum Winds
The distance from the center of a tropical cyclone to the location of the
cyclone's maximum winds. In well-developed hurricanes, the radius of
maximum winds is generally found at the inner edge of the eyewall.
RAFC
Regional Area Forecast Center
RAFS
Regional Analysis and Forecasting System
Rain
Precipitation that falls to earth in drops more than 0.5 mm in diameter.
Rain Foot
Slang for a horizontal bulging near the surface in a precipitation shaft,
forming a foot-shaped prominence. It is a visual indication of a wet
microburst.
Rain Forest
A forest which grows in a region of heavy annual precipitation. There are
two major types, tropical and temperate.
Rain Gauge
An instrument for measuring the quantity of rain that has fallen.
Rain Induced Fog
When warm rain falls through cooler air, water evaporates from the warm
rain. It subsequently condenses in the cool air forming fog. Such fog can
be quite dense. It generally will persist as long as the rain continues.
Since temperature rises little during the day, there is little diurnal
variation in rain induced fog. Improvement in visibility cannot be
expected until the rain stops or moves out of the affected area.
Rain Shadow
An area of reduced precipitation on the lee side of a mountain barrier
caused by warming of air and dissipation of cloudiness as air descends
the barrier.
Rain Shield
In a hurricane, a solid or nearly solid area of rain that typically
becomes heavier as one approaches the eye. The outer edge is well defined
and its distance from the eye varies greatly from storm to storm. The
wind, both sustained and peak gusts, keeps increasing as much as one
moves through the rain shield toward the storm's eye.
Rain-free Base
A dark, horizontal cloud base with no visible precipitation beneath it.
It typically marks the location of the thunderstorm updraft. Tornadoes
may develop from wall clouds attached to the rain-free base, or from
the rain-free base itself - especially when the rain-free base is on the
south or southwest side of the main precipitation area. Note that the
rain-free base may not actually be rain free; hail or large rain drops
may be falling. For this reason, updraft base is more accurate.
Rainbow
A luminous arc featuring all colors of the visible light spectrum
(red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet). It is created
by refraction, total reflection, and the dispersion of light. It is
visible when the sun is shining through air containing water spray or
raindrops, which occurs during or immediately after a rain shower. The
bow is always observed in the opposite side of the sky from the sun.
Rainfall
The amount of precipitation of any type, primarily liquid. It is usually
the amount that is measured by a rain gauge. Refer to rain for rates of
intensity and the quantitative precipitation for forecasting.
Rainfall Estimates
A series of NEXRAD products that employ a Z-R relationship to produce
accumulations of surface rainfall from observed reflectivity.
Range
Distance from the radar antenna. The WSR-88D radar has a range for
velocity products out to 124 nm and reflectivity products out to 248 nm.
Range Folding
This occurs when the radar receives a signal return from a pulse other
than the most recent pulse. In this case, the radar sends out a pulse
(a short burst of energy). This pulse will continue to go in a straight
line until it strikes a target. When it strikes the target, a portion of
the pulse will be back scattered towards the radar. If the target it
strikes is well beyond the normal range of the radar, it will take
longer for the back scattered energy to arrive back at the radar. As a
result, the radar will most likely have sent out another pulse in the
same direction before the back scattered energy arrives back at the
radar. Therefore, when the radar receives the back scattered energy, it
will assume that it came from an object much closer to the radar and it
will improperly locate the echo. A multiple-trip return appears at the
difference of the true range and a multiple of the unambiguous range,
i.e., R_displayed = R_true - n * R_max, where n = 0,1,2,...
Range Gate
The discrete point in range along a single radial of radar data at which
the received signal is sampled. Range gates are typically spaced at
100-1000 meter intervals. A "radial" of radar data is composed of
successive range gates, out to the maximum unambiguous range.
Range Height Indicator
The RHI is a radar display in which the radar scans vertically, with the
antenna pointing at a specific azimuth or radial. NEXRAD does not support
RHI, but the PUP software allows the NEXRAD operator to construct a
vertical cross-section using data from multiple scans of the radar.
Range Normalization
A receiver gain function in the radar which compensates for the effect of
range (distance) on the received power for an equivalent reflectivity.
Range Resolution
The ability of the radar to distinguish two targets along the same radial
but at different ranges.
Range Unfolding
Process of removing range ambiguity in apparent range of a multitrip
target on the radar.
Rankine Vortex
Velocity profile for a symmetric circulation in which the inner core is
in solid rotation and tangential winds outside the core vary inversely
with radial distance from the center.
Rapid Deepening
A decrease in the minimum sea-level pressure of a tropical cyclone of 1.75
mb/hr or 42 mb for 24 hours
Rapidly Intensifying
Indicator for a maritime cyclone whose central pressure is dropping, or
is expected to drop, at a rate of 1 MB per hour for 24 hours.
Rawinsonde
A radiosonde that is tracked to measure winds.
Rawinsonde Observation
A radiosonde observation which includes wind data.
RAWS
Remote Automated Weather Stations
Rayleigh Scattering
Changes in directions of electromagnetic energy by particles whose
diameters are 1/16 wavelength or less. This type of scattering is
responsible for the sky being blue.
RCKY
Rocky Mountains
RCMD
Recommend
RCV
Receive
RDG
ridge
RDS
Radius
Reach
In hydrologic terms, the distance between two specific points outlining
that portion of the stream, or river for which the forecast applies.
This generally applies to the distance above and below the forecast
point for which the forecast is valid.
Real-Time
Refers to the rapid retrieval, processing and transmission of data.
Rear Flank Downdraft
A region of dry air subsiding on the back side of, and wrapping around,
a mesocyclone. It often is visible as a clear slot wrapping around the
wall cloud. Scattered large precipitation particles (rain and hail) at
the interface between the clear slot and wall cloud may show up on radar
as a hook or pendant; thus the presence of a hook or pendant may
indicate the presence of an RFD.
Receiver
The electronic device which detects the backscattered radiation,
amplifies it and converts it to a low-frequency signal which is related
to the properties of the target.
Reconnaissance Code
An aircraft weather reconnaissance code that has come to refer primarily
to in-flight tropical weather observations, but actually signifies any
detailed weather observation or investigation from an aircraft in flight.
Record Event Report
This non-routine narrative product is issued by the National Weather
Service to report meteorological and hydrological events that equal or
exceed existing records.
Recreation Report
This National Weather Service product is used to relay reports on
conditions for resorts and recreational areas and/or events. This report
may also contain forecast information. Reports for recreational areas and
resorts are often routine products, typically for a season, but possibly
year-round.
Recurrence
Used especially in reference to the recurrence of physical parameters
every 27 days (the rotation period of the sun).
Red Flag
This a fire weather program which highlights the onset of critical
weather conditions conducive to extensive wildfire occurrences.
Red Flag Warning
A term used by fire-weather forecasters to call attention to limited
weather conditions of particular importance that may result in extreme
burning conditions. It is issued when it is an on-going event or the fire
weather forecaster has a high degree of confidence that Red Flag criteria
will occur within 24 hours of issuance. Red Flag criteria occurs whenever
a geographical area has been in a dry spell for a week or two, or for a
shorter period, if before spring green-up or after fall color, and the
National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) is high to extreme and the
following forecast weather parameters are forecasted to be met:
1) a sustained wind average 15 mph or greater
2) relative humidity less than or equal to 25 percent and
3) a temperature of greater than 75 degrees F.
In some states, dry lightning and unstable air are criteria. A Fire
Weather Watch may be issued prior to the Red Flag Warning.
Red Watch or Red Box
Slang for Tornado Watch.
REF
Reference
Reference Mark
A relatively permanent point of known elevation which is tied to a
benchmark.
Reflection
The process whereby radiation (or other waves) incident upon a surface is
directed back into the medium through which it traveled.
Reflectivity
Usually a reference to Radar Reflectivity; the sum of all backscattering
cross-sections (e.g., precipitation particles) in a pulse resolution
volume divided by that volume. The radar reflectivity can be related to
the radar reflectivity factor through the dielectric constant term
|K|^2, and the radar wavelength.
Reflectivity Cross Section
This WSR-88D radar product displays a vertical cross section of
reflectivity on a grid with heights up to 70,000 feet on the vertical
axis and distance up to 124 nm on the horizontal axis. Cross Section is
similar to the Range Height Indicator (RHI) slices observed on
conventional radar, but it is not limited to alignments along the radar
radials. Instead the 2 end points are operator selected anywhere within
124 nm of the radar that are less than 124 nm apart. It is used to:
1) Examine storm structure features such as overhang, tilt, Weak Echo
Regions (WER), and Bounded Weak Echo Regions (BWER);
2) Estimate height of higher dBZ's and echo tops; and
3) Locate the bright band (where snow is melting and becoming rain).
Reflectivity Factor
The result of a mathematical equation (called the Weather Radar
Equation) that converts the analog power (in Watts) received by the
radar antenna into a more usable quantity. The reflectivity factor
(denoted by Z) takes into account several factors, including the
distance of a target from the radar, the wavelength of the transmitted
radiation, and certain assumptions about the kind and size of targets
detected by the radar. The reflectivity factor ranges over several
orders of magnitudes, so it is usually expressed on a logarithmic scale
called dBZ (decibels of reflectivity).
Refraction
Changes in the direction of energy propagation as a result of density
changes within the propagating medium. In weather terms, this is
important on determining how a radar beam reacts in the atmosphere.
Refractive Index
A measure of the amount of refraction. Numerically equal to the ratio
of wave velocity in a vacuum to a wave speed in the medium, i.e.,
n = c / v where: v is actual speed, and c is speed of light in a vacuum.
Refractivity
Expressed as N; N = (n-1)*106, where n is refractive index and N is a
function of temperature, pressure and vapor pressure (in the atmosphere).
Regional Haze
Haze that is mixed uniformly between the surface and the top of a
convective boundary layer.
Relative Humidity
A dimensionless ratio, expressed in percent, of the amount of
atmospheric moisture present relative to the amount that would be
present if the air were saturated. Since the latter amount is dependent
on temperature, relative humidity is a function of both moisture content
and temperature. As such, relative humidity by itself does not directly
indicate the actual amount of atmospheric moisture present. See dew point.
Relative Vorticity
The sum of the rotation of an air parcel about the axis of the pressure
system and the rotation of the parcel about its own axis.
Relative Wind
The wind with reference to a moving point. Sometimes called APPARENT WIND.
See also APPARENT WIND, TRUE WIND.
RELBL
Reliable
Relocated
A term used in an advisory to indicate that a vector drawn from the
preceding advisory position to the latest known position is not
necessarily a reasonable representation of the cyclone's movement.
Remote Observing System Automation
A type of automated data transmitter used by NWS Cooperative Program
observers.
REP
Represent/Representative
Report
A weather report is a statement of the actual weather conditions
observed at a specific time at a specific site.
Reservoir
In hydrologic terms, a manmade facility for the storage, regulation
and controlled release of water.
Residual Layer
The elevated portion of a convective boundary layer that remains after
a stable boundary layer develops at the ground (usually in late
afternoon or early evening) and cuts off convection.
Residual Moisture
Atmospheric moisture which lingers over an area after the main weather
system has departed.
Resonance
The state of a system in which an abnormally large vibration is produced
in response to an external stimulus, occurring when the frequency of
the stimulus is the same, or nearly the same, as the natural vibration
frequency of the system.
Response Time
In hydrologic terms, the amount of time in which it will take a
watershed to react to a given rainfall event.
Retrogression
(or Retrograde Motion) - Movement of a weather system in a direction
opposite to that of the basic flow in which it is embedded, usually
referring to a closed low or a longwave trough which moves westward.
Return Flow
South winds on the back (west) side of an eastward-moving surface high
pressure system. Return flow over the central and eastern United States
typically results in a return of moist air from the Gulf of Mexico (or
the Atlantic Ocean).
Return Stroke
An electrical discharge that propagates upward along a lightning
channel from the ground to the cloud.
Rex Block
A blocking pattern where there is an upper level high located directly
north of a closed low.
RFC
River Forecast Center. Centers that serve groups of Weather Service
Forecast offices and Weather Forecast offices, in providing hydrologic
guidance and is the first echelon office for the preparation of river
and flood forecasts and warnings.
RGD
Ragged
RGN
Region
RH
Relative Humidity - a dimensionless ratio, expressed in percent, of
the amount of atmospheric moisture present relative to the amount that
would be present if the air were saturated. Since the latter amount is
dependent on temperature, relative humidity is a function of both
moisture content and temperature. As such, relative humidity by itself
does not directly indicate the actual amount of atmospheric moisture
present. See dew point.
RHI
Range-Height Indicator
Ribbon Lightning
Appears to be a broad stream of fire. A succession of strokes, each blown
a bit to the side of the previous strokes by wind, but striking so fast
that all the strokes are seen at once as a ribbon-like flash.
Ridge
1) An elongated area of relatively high atmospheric pressure; the opposite
of trough.
or
2) In hydrologic terms, a line or wall of broken ice forced up by
pressure. May be fresh or weathered.
Ridge Ice
In hydrologic terms, ice piled haphazardly one piece over another in the
form of ridges or walls.
Right Ascension
The celestial longitude of the sun. This value is 0 at the vernal equinox,
90 at the summer solstice, 180 at the autumnal equinox and 270 at the
winter solstice.
Right Entrance Region
Used interchangably with Right Rear Quadrant; the area upstream from and
to the right of an upper-level jet max (as would be viewed looking along
the direction of flow). Upward motion and severe thunderstorm potential
sometimes are increased in this area relative to the wind speed maximum.
See also exit region, left front quadrant.
Right Mover
A thunderstorm that moves appreciably to the right relative to the main
steering winds and to other nearby thunderstorms. Right movers typically
are associated with a high potential for severe weather. (Supercells
often are right movers).
Right Rear Quadrant
(Abbrev. RRQ) - Used interchangably with Right Entrance Region; the area
upstream from and to the right of an upper-level jet max (as would be
viewed looking along the direction of flow). Upward motion and severe
thunderstorm potential sometimes are increased in this area relative to
the wind speed maximum. See also exit region, left front quadrant.
Rime Ice
An opaque coating of tiny, white, granular ice particles caused by the
rapid freezing of supercooled water droplets on impact with an object.
See also clear ice.
RIOGD
Rio Grande
Riometer
(Relative Ionospheric Opacity meter). A specially designed radio receiver
for continuous monitoring of cosmic noise. The absorption of cosmic noise
in the polar regions is very sensitive to the solar low-energy cosmic ray
flux.
Rip Current
A relatively small-scale surf-zone current moving away from the beach.
Rip currents form as waves disperse along the beach causing water to
become trapped between the beach and a sandbar or other underwater
feature. The water converges into a narrow, river-like channel moving
away from the shore at high speed.
Rip Tide
See RIP CURRENTS
Riparian Zone
In hydrologic terms, a stream and all the vegetation on its banks.
River Basin
In hydrologic terms, drainage area of a river and its tributaries.
River Flood Statement
This product is used by the local National Weather Service Forecast
Office (NWFO) to update and expand the information in the River Flood
Warning. This statement may be used in lieu of a warning if flooding
is forecasted, imminent, or existing and it presents no threat to life
or property. The statement will also be used to terminate a River
Flood Warning.
River Flood Warning
This is product is issued by the local National Weather Service Forecast
Office (NWFO) when forecast points (those that have formal gaging sites
and established flood stages) at specific communities or areas along
rivers where flooding has been forecasted, is imminent, or is in
progress. Flooding is defined as the inundation of normally dry areas as
a result of increased water levels in an established water course. The
flood warning is based on the RVF product from the River Forecast Center
(RFC) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The flood warning normally specifies
crest information. It usually occurs 6 hours or later after the causative
event and it is usually associated with widespread heavy rain and/or snow
melt or ice jams.
It will contain the forecast point covered by the warning, the current
stage (if it is available), and the established flood stage. It will also
contain the forecasted crest from the River Forecast Center (RFC) in
Minneapolis, Minnesota. From this forecasted crest, the NWFO will be able
to determine which areas will be affected by the river flooding. This
information will be included in the warning. Finally, the statement will
include a site/event specific call to action.
River Flooding
The rise of a river to an elevation such that the river overflows its
natural banks causing or threatening damage.
River Forecast
An internal product issued by RFCs to other NWS offices. An RVF contains
stage and/ or flow forecasts for specific locations based on existing,
and forecasted hydrometeorologic conditions. The contents of these
products are used by the HSA office to prepare Flood Warnings (FLW),
Flood Statements (FLS), River Statements (RVS), as well as other products
available to the public.
River Forecast Center
Centers that serve groups of Weather Service Forecast offices and Weather
Forecast offices, in providing hydrologic guidance and is the first
echelon office for the preparation of river and flood forecasts and
warnings.
River Gage
A device for measuring the river stage.
River Gage Datum
The arbitrary zero datum elevation which all stage measurements are made
from.
River Ice Statement
A public product issued by the RFC containing narrative and numeric
information on river ice conditions.
River Observing Station
An established location along a river designated for observing and
measuring properties of the river.
River Recreation Statement
A statement released by the NWS to inform river users of current and
forecast river and lake conditions. These statements are especially
useful for planning purposes.
River Statement
A NWS product issued to communicate notable hydrologic conditions which
do not involve flooding, i.e., within river bank rises, minor ice jams,
etc.
River System
In hydrologic terms, all of the streams and channels draining a river
basin.
Rocketsonde
A type of radiosonde that is shot into the atmosphere by a rocket,
allowing it to collect data during its parachute descent from a higher
position in the atmosphere than a balloon could reach.
Rockfill Dam
In hydrologic terms, an embankment dam of earth or rock in which the
material is placed in layers and compacted by using rollers or rolling
equipment.
Rogue Wave
Commonly used term by mariners of a wave of an unexpected wave of much
greater height or steepness than other waves in the prevailing sea or
swell system. Rogue waves have been part of marine folklore for centuries.
They are generally considered to be unexpectedly high waves which in some
instances come from a direction different from the predominant waves in
the local area. A single rogue wave has certainly been known to spell
disaster for the mariner. They have, over the past twenty or thirty years,
come to be recognized as unique phenomena albeit with several possible
causes.
(1) Constructive interference. Several different wave trains of differing
speeds and directions meet at the same time. The heights of the crests
are additive so that an extreme wave may result when very high waves are
included in the wave trains. The effect is normally short lived since the
wave trains continue to separate and move on.
(2) Focusing of wave energy. When storm forced waves are developed in a
water current counter to the wave direction an interaction can take place
which results in a shortening of the wave frequency. The result is the
superimposing of the wave trains and the generation of extreme waves.
Examples of currents where these are sometimes seen are the Gulf Stream
and Agulhas current. Extreme wave developed in this regime tend to be
longer lived.
(3) Normal part of the wave spectrum. The generation of waves on water
results not in a single wave height but in a spectrum of waves distributed
from the smallest capillary waves to large waves indeed. Within this
spectrum there is a finite possibility of each of the wave heights to
occur with the largest waves being the least likely. The wave height most
commonly observed and forecast is the significant wave height. This is
defined as the average of the one third highest waves. The probability of
encountering such a wave is about 1 in 10 while 1 in 1000 waves will be
nearly double the significant wave height or higher. This is thought to
be the source of at least some reports of rogue waves.
Roll Cloud
A low, horizontal tube-shaped arcus cloud associated with a thunderstorm
gust front (or sometimes with a cold front). Roll clouds are relatively
rare; they are completely detached from the thunderstorm base or other
cloud features, thus differentiating them from the more familiar shelf
clouds. Roll clouds usually appear to be "rolling" about a horizontal
axis, but should not be confused with funnel clouds.
Rolled Filled Dam
In hydrologic terms, an embankment dam of earth or rock in which the
material is placed in layers and compacted by using rollers or rolling
equipment.
Rope
(Also "Rope Funnel") - a narrow, often contorted condensation funnel
usually associated with the decaying stage of a tornado. See rope stage.
Rope Cloud
In satellite meteorology, a narrow, rope-like band of clouds sometimes
seen on satellite images along a front or other boundary. The term
sometimes is used synonymously with rope or rope funnel.
Rope Stage
The dissipating stage of a tornado, characterized by thinning and
shrinking of the condensation funnel into a rope (or rope funnel).
Damage still is possible during this stage.
ROSA
Remote Observing System Automation. A type of automated data transmitter
used by NWS Cooperative Program observers.
Rossby Waves
A series of troughs and ridges on quasi-horizontal surfaces in the major
belt of upper tropospheric westerlies. The waves are thousands of
kilometers long and have significant latitudinal amplitude.
Rotation
The spinning of a body, such as the earth, about its axis.
ROTG
Rotating
Rotor Cloud
A turbulent altocumulus cloud formation found in the lee of some mountain
barriers when winds cross the barrier at high speed. The air in the cloud
rotates around an axis parallel to the range. Also called a roll cloud.
Rotten Ice
In hydrologic terms, ice in an advanced stage of disintegration.
Rough Seas
Sea conditions associated with regionally defined wind thresholds over
bays, inlets, harbors, inland waters, and estuaries where larger waves
are forming with whitecaps and spray everywhere.
Routing
In hydrologic terms, the methods of predicting the attenuation of a flood
wave as it moves down the course of a river.
RPD
Rapid
RPLC
Replace
RPRT
Report
RQR
Require
RRQ
Right Rear Quadrant - the area upstream from and to the right of an
upper-level jet max (as would be viewed looking along the direction of
flow). Upward motion and severe thunderstorm potential sometimes are
increased in this area relative to the wind speed maximum. See also exit
region, left front quadrant.
RSG
Rising
RSN
Reason
RTE
Route
RTRD
Retard
RTRN
Return
RTVS
Real Time Verification System
RUC
Rapid Update Cycle model, a numerical model run by NCEP that focuses on
short-term forecasts out to 12 hours.
Runoff
In hydrologic terms, the part of precipitation that flows toward the
streams on the surface of the ground or within the ground. Runoff is
composed of baseflow and surface runoff.
Runway Visual Range
The maximum distance at which the runway, or the specified lights or
markers delineating it, can be seen from a position above a specified
point on its center line. This value is normally determined by
visibility sensors located alongside and higher than the center line
of the runway. RVR is calculated from visibility, ambient light level,
and runway light intensity.
RVA
River Summary, a NWS summary of river and/or crest stages for selected
forecast points along the river.
RVF
River Forecast. An internal product issued by RFCs to other NWS offices.
An RVF contains stage and/ or flow forecasts for specific locations
based on existing, and forecasted hydrometeorologic conditions. The
contents of these products are used by the HSA office to prepare Flood
Warnings (FLW), Flood Statements (FLS), River Statements (RVS), as well
as other products available to the public.
RVI
River Ice Statement
RVR
1. Runway Visual Range - the maximum distance at which the runway, or the
specified lights or markers delineating it, can be seen from a position
above a specified point on its center line. This value is normally
determined by visibility sensors located alongside and higher than the
center line of the runway. RVR is calculated from visibility, ambient
light level, and runway light intensity.
2. River
RVS
1. Abbreviation for "revise"
2. River Statement, a product issued to communicate notable hydrologic
conditions which do not involve flooding, i.e., within river bank rises,
minor ice jams, etc.
