Table of Contents
OTT Parsivel 2 at Ny-Ålesund
Mentor: Pavel Krobot, Data: Kerstin Ebell
OTT Parsivel 2 on the roof of the AWIPEV atmospheric observatory in Ny-Ålesund, 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:
- Drizzle
- Drizzle with rain
- Rain
- Rain, drizzle with snow
- Snow
- Snow grains
- Freezing rain
- Hail
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
History
| Period | Place | Project |
|---|---|---|
| 23 June 2022 - today (new instrument) | AWIPEV Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard | (AC)3 |
| 27 April 2017 - 22 June 2022 | AWIPEV Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard | (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 |
References
Ebell, K., C. Buhren, R. Gierens, G. Chellini, M. Lauer, A. Walbröl, S. Dahlke, P. Krobot, and M. Mech, 2025: Impact of weather systems on observed precipitation at Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard), Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 7315–7342, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7315-2025.