Identification

Title

Comparison of two raindrop size distribution retrieval algorithms for X-band dual polarization observations

Abstract

In this study the authors evaluate two algorithms, the so-called beta (β) and constrained methods, proposed for retrieving the governing parameters of the "normalized" gamma drop size distribution (DSD) from dual-polarization radar measurements. The β method treats the drop axis ratio as a variable and computes drop shape and DSD parameters from radar reflectivity (ZH), differential reflectivity (ZDR), and specific differential phase shift (KDP). The constrained method assumes that the axis-ratio relation is fixed and computes DSD parameters from ZH, ZDR, and an empirical relation between the DSD slope and shape parameters. The two techniques are evaluated for polarimetric X-band radar observations by comparing retrieved DSD parameters with disdrometer observations and examining simulated radar parameters for consistency. Error effects on the β method and constrained method retrievals are analyzed. The β approach is found to be sensitive to errors in KDP and to be less consistent with observations. Large retrieved β values are found to be associated with large retrieved DSD shape parameters and small median drop diameters. The constrained method provides reasonable rain DSD retrievals that agree better with disdrometer observations.

Resource type

document

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Unique resource identifier

code

https://n2t.org/ark:/85065/d7dz08hj

codeSpace

Dataset language

eng

Spatial reference system

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Classification of spatial data and services

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geoscientificInformation

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Keyword set

keyword value

Text

originating controlled vocabulary

title

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reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

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date type

publication

effective date

2008-06-01T00:00:00Z

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Use constraints

Copyright 2008 American Meteorological Society (AMS). Permission to use figures, tables, and brief excerpts from this work in scientific and educational works is hereby granted provided that the source is acknowledged. Any use of material in this work that is determined to be "fair use" under Section 107 or that satisfies the conditions specified in Section 108 of the U.S. Copyright Law (17 USC, as revised by P.L. 94-553) does not require the Society's permission. Republication, systematic reproduction, posting in electronic form on servers, or other uses of this material, except as exempted by the above statements, requires written permission or license from the AMS. Additional details are provided in the AMS Copyright Policies, available from the AMS at 617-227-2425 or amspubs@ametsoc.org. Permission to place a copy of this work on this server has been provided by the AMS. The AMS does not guarantee that the copy provided here is an accurate copy of the published work.

Limitations on public access

None

Responsible organisations

Responsible party

contact position

OpenSky Support

organisation name

UCAR/NCAR - Library

full postal address

PO Box 3000

Boulder

80307-3000

email address

opensky@ucar.edu

web address

http://opensky.ucar.edu/

name: homepage

responsible party role

pointOfContact

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