Hydrological rainfall radar enhances rainfall monitoring for Three Gorges Project

By Chen Si.

The first hydrological rainfall radar system on the main stream of the Yangtze River has recently been deployed at the Three Gorges Project. This will further enhance the project’s capabilities in rainfall monitoring and forecasting.
 

The Three Gorges Project
Photo by Zheng Jiayu

Traditional rainfall monitoring relies on rain gauges, but the data obtained through this method is easily influenced by the surrounding environment. Its monitoring range is limited, and it cannot accurately reflect the spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall.

The new-generation rainfall radar system consists of a network of collaborative rainfall radars installed on mountaintops near the Three Gorges Dam. Like a "smart eye matrix stationed in the sky,” the system overcomes the limitations of traditional methods by performing seamless, three-dimensional scanning of liquid water in the near-surface atmosphere. This enables refined monitoring and forecasting of rainfall across an area of ​​approximately 13,000 square kilometers around the Dam.

In addition, the system can provide effective early warnings for extreme heavy rainfall events, contributing to the safe operation of the Three Gorges Project and flood-control efforts along the Yangtze River.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China's Ministry of Water Resources accelerated the development of a "three-tier defense" system for rainfall and water-condition monitoring and forecasting. The Three Gorges Project is one of the major water conservancy projects selected as a pilot site for the construction and application of a rainfall radar network as part of the system’s "first tier.”

The first hydrological rainfall radar system on the main stream of the Yangtze River is expected to start official operation by the end of 2026.

Han Jingwen, Qiu Hongya, and Tang Dongjun also contributed to this story.