Comparison of simulated rain rates from disdrometer data employing polarimetric radar algorithms

Abstract

Disdrometer data collected during three spring days, with moderate to heavy rain in the Norman, Oklahoma region are used with various polarimetric radar algorithms to simulate rain rates. It is assumed that available measurables are 1) reflectivity at horizontal polarization, Z_H, 2) differential reflectivity, Z_DR (ratio of horizontal to vertical reflectivity factors in dB), and 3) differential propagation constant, K_DP. The accuracies of the simulated rain rates from Z_H, Z_DR, and K_DP are evaluated and compared. A new algorithm that utilizes both reflectivity factor and differential propagation constant is also examined. In comparing the relative accuracies, the disdrometer-derived rain rates are assumed to be the "truth" measurements.