Using cloud radar to investigate the effect of rainfall on migratory insect flight

The fate of migrating insects that encounter rainfall in flight is a critical consideration when modelling insect movement, but few field observations this common phenomenon have ever been collected due to the logistical challenges witnessing these encounters. Operational cloud radars deployed around world by meteorological agencies study precipitation physics, and as byproduct, provide rich database freely available researchers. Although considered unwanted ‘clutter’ meteorologists who collect data, analysis method presented here enables ecologists delineate co-occurring signals from raindrops. We present uses image processing techniques on radar velocity spectra examine they precipitation. By analysing spectra, we can distinguish flying falling rain compare relative density before, during after rainfall. demonstrate case migration Oklahoma, USA. Using method, show first reconstructed images layers Our shows mild moderate diminishes number aloft does not cause full termination migratory flight, has previously suggested. hope technique will spur further investigations how changing weather conditions impact migration, enable some such studies regions are underrepresented literature.