Taranis Observatory

exTreme and multi-scAle RAiNdrop parIS observatory

Overview

In the framework of the Fresnel platform, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech operates 6 optical disdrometers. Such devices are made of a transmitter that generates one or several laser sheet(s) and receiver(s), and compute size and fall velocity hydrometeors.

Two types of devices are tested:

• The Campbell Scientific PWS100 uses light refracted by the hydrometeors (Ellis et al., 2006; Campbell Scientific Ltd, 2012)
• The OTT Parsivel² relies on occluded light (Loffler-Mang and Joss, 2000 for an initial version; Battaglia et al., 2010; OTT, 2014)

In addition, 3D sonic anemometers (ThiesCLIMA, 2013a) and meteorological stations (ThiesCLIMA, 2103b) are operated as well.

Measurement campaigns

The devices were /are used in various measurement campaigns. Daily quicklooks can be accessed through the following calendars:

• Carnot 1 (September 2013 to November 2016)
• SIRTA (November 2016 to September 2017)
• Carnot 2 (December 2017 to July 2020)
• Radar tower (from may 2017 to June 2018)
• Radar tower 2 (from January 2019 to September 2021)
• RW-Turb wind farm measurement campaign (since December 2020)
• Radar tower with anemometer and meteorological station (since September 2021)
• Carnot 3 (since October 2021)

Data paper

A data paper presenting the disdrometer data base available was published in Earth System Science Data (link), with a sample made available (link).

Acknowledgements

The following projects are acknowledged for financial support:

• Chair “Hydrology for Resilient Cities” (endowed by Veolia) of Ecole des Ponts ParisTech
• Ile-de-France – R2DS RadX@IdF
• EU INTERREG RainGain Project 
• Climate KIC Blue Green Dream
• ANR JCJC RW-Turb Project