Rain estimates by using Ku- and Ka-band dual-frequency radar

An approach to check accuracy of Ku- and Ka-band dual-frequency radar techniques for retrieval of rain rate and rain drop size distribution (DSD) is studied by using measured DSD data. The radar retrieval look-up tables introduced are effective not only in inferring rain rate and DSD parameters but also in evaluating overall performance of retrieval algorithms. As an example of the methods used for this study, DSD data collected from one of several field campaigns are used. A more thorough study is underway to include DSD data from different climatological regimes. Different DSD models will also be investigated to determine whether the DPR retrievals can be improved.