Table of Contents

OTT Parsivel 2 at Longyearbyen

Mentor: Pavel Krobot, Data: Kerstin Ebell

OTT Parsivel 2 on the roof of UNIS, Longyearbyen (Svalbard)

Principle

The OTT Parsivel 2 is a laser-based optical system for complete and reliable measurement of all types of precipitation. The size range of measurable liquid precipitation particles is from 0.2 to 8 mm. For solid precipitation particles, the size range is from 0.2 to 25 mm. The size range is divided into 32 classes. The particle velocity range is 0.2 to 20 m/s and is divided into 32 classes. The precipitation particles are categorized as follows:

For liquid precipitation, the rain rate can be determined from the derived raindrop-size and velocity distributions. In the case of solid precipitation, the precipitation rate is highly uncertain due to variable particle shapes, densities, and fall velocities. Wind and turbulence affect the measured velocities, leading to high uncertainties in the assumed particle fall velocities. This can also affect the particle type classification and might result in a misclassification of particles.

Data

If you are interested in receiving data, please contact Kerstin Ebell

Quicklooks

History

Period Place Project
10 December 2025 - today UNIS, Longyearbyen (Svalbard) CLOUDMAPS, (AC)3
July 2025 - August 2025 R/V Polarstern (AC)3

Specifications

Parameter Specification
Wavelength 650 nm (visible laser beam, color: red)
Output power (peak) 0.2 mW
Measuring surface W x D 180 x 30 mm
Particle size of liquid precipitation 0.2 … 8 mm
Particle size of solid precipitation 0.2 … 25 mm
Particle velocity 0.2 … 20 m/s
Rain rate Minimal intensity 0.001 mm/h drizzle/rain
Rain rate Maximal intensity 1,200 mm/h
Prod. Temporal Resolution 60 s
Rain rate accuracy ±5 % (liquid) / ±20 % (solid)
Dimensions (HxWxD) 670 x 600 x 114 mm
Power supply 10 … 28V DC, reverse polarity protection
Current drawn Electronics 65 mA at 24 V DC / Heating 2/4 A; 12/24 V DC