Drop-size distribution retrieval of precipitation using a high-resolution polarimetric x-band weather radar

T Otto, J Figueras i Ventura, HWJ Russchenberg

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

    Abstract

    In 2007, IRCTR (Delft University of Technology) installed a new polarimetric X-band drizzle radar (IDRA) at the meteorological observation site of Cabauw, Netherlands. It provides plan position indicators (PPI) with a high range resolution of either 3 m or 30 m. IDRA aims to monitor any precipitation events for the long-term analysis of the hydrological cycle. Due to the specifications of IDRA the spatial variability of a large range of rainfall intensities (from drizzle to heavy convective rain) can be studied. This also permits the assessment of mesoscale changes in the precipitation pattern due to aerosols (second aerosol indirect effect). As a first step in order to achieve these aims, we present the results of an exponential drop-size distribution retrieval using the conventional algorithm that is based on the radar reflectivity Z and the differential reflectivity Zdr. We will exploit the boundaries of applicability of this drop-size distribution retrieval algorithm for light precipitation. Thereby, we will focus on the limits for the extraction of the median drop diameter using the differential reflectivity. We will discuss potential sensor synergies to extract the median drop diameter even in light precipitation.
    Original languageUndefined/Unknown
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 8th international symposium on tropospheric profiling
    EditorsHWJ Russchenberg, A Apituley, WAA Monna
    Place of Publications.l.
    Publishers.n.
    Pages1-4
    Number of pages4
    ISBN (Print)978-90-6960-233-2
    Publication statusPublished - 2009
    EventProceedings of the 8th international symposium on tropospheric profiling - s.l.
    Duration: 19 Oct 200923 Oct 2009

    Publication series

    Name
    Publishers.n.

    Conference

    ConferenceProceedings of the 8th international symposium on tropospheric profiling
    Period19/10/0923/10/09

    Keywords

    • conference contrib. refereed
    • Conf.proc. > 3 pag

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