scholarly journals Characteristic Raindrop Size Retrievals from Measurements of Differences in Vertical Doppler Velocities at Ka- and W-Band Radar Frequencies

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergey Y. Matrosov
Keyword(s):  
Great Plains ◽  
Doppler Velocity ◽  
Rain Event ◽  
Ka Band ◽  
W Band ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Raindrop Size ◽  
Radar Calibration ◽  
Drop Size Distributions ◽  
Mean Differences

AbstractA Ka-band (~35 GHz) and W-band (~94 GHz) radar approach to retrieve profiles of characteristic raindrop sizes, such as mean mass-weighted drop diameters Dm, from measurements of the difference in the mean vertical Doppler velocities (DDV) is analyzed. This retrieval approach is insensitive to radar calibration errors, vertical air motions, and attenuation effects. The Dm–DDV relations are derived using long-term measurements of drop size distributions (DSDs) from different observational sites and do not assume a functional DSD shape. Unambiguous retrievals using this approach are shown to be available in the Dm range of approximately 0.5–2 mm, with average uncertainties of around 21%. Potential retrieval ambiguities occurring when larger drop populations exist can be avoided by using a Ka-band vertical Doppler velocity threshold. The performance of the retrievals is illustrated using a long predominantly stratiform rain event observed at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains site. An intercomparison of DDV-based estimates of characteristic raindrop sizes with independent estimates available from ground-based disdrometer measurements reveal good agreement, with a correlation coefficient of 0.88, and mean differences between radar and disdrometer-based Dm of approximately 14% for the entire range of unambiguous retrievals. The Ka–W-band DDV method to retrieve mean mass-weighted drop sizes is applicable to measurements from new dual-wavelength ARM cloud radars that are being deployed at a variety of observational facilities. An illustration for the retrievals at the Oliktok Point ARM facility is also given.

scholarly journals Attenuation-Based Estimates of Rainfall Rates Aloft with Vertically Pointing Ka-Band Radars

2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergey Y. Matrosov
Keyword(s):  
Mie Scattering ◽  
Rainfall Rate ◽  
Suggested Approach ◽  
Ka Band ◽  
Retrieval Error ◽  
Range Resolution ◽  
Retrieval Errors ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Radar Calibration ◽  
In The Beginning

Abstract An approach is suggested to retrieve low-resolution rainfall rate profiles and layer-averaged rainfall rates, Ra, from radar reflectivity measurements made by vertically pointing Ka-band radars. This approach is based on the effects of attenuation of radar signals in rain and takes advantage of the nearly linear relation between specific attenuation and rainfall rate at Ka-band frequencies. The variability of this relation due to temperature, details of raindrop size distributions, and the nature of rain (convective versus stratiform) is rather small (∼10%) and contributes little to errors in rainfall rate retrievals. The main contribution to the retrieval errors comes from the uncertainty of the difference in the nonattenuated radar reflectivities in the beginning and the end of the range resolution interval. For 2- and 1-dB uncertainties in this difference, the retrieval errors due to this main contribution are less than 34% and 17%, correspondingly, for rains with Ra ≈ 10 mm h−1 at a 1-km resolution interval. The heavier rain rates are retrieved with a better accuracy since this retrieval error contribution is proportional to 1/Ra. The retrieval accuracy can also be improved but at the expense of more coarse vertical resolutions of retrievals since the main retrieval error contribution is also proportional to the reciprocal of the resolution interval. The Mie scattering effects at Ka band results in less variability in nonattenuated reflectivities (cf. lower radar frequencies), which aids the suggested approach. Given that radar receivers are not saturated, the rainfall rates can be retrieved using cloud radars that were originally designed for measuring only nonprecipitating and weakly precipitating clouds. An important advantage of the attenuation-based retrievals of rainfall is that absolute radar calibration is not required. The inclusion of rainfall information will improve the characterization of the atmospheric column obtained with such radars used for climate research. The applications of the suggested approach are illustrated using the vertically pointing Ka-band radar measurements made during a field experiment in southern Florida. The retrieval results are in good agreement with surface estimates of rainfall rates.

scholarly journals Polarization Diversity for Millimeter Spaceborne Doppler Radars: An Answer for Observing Deep Convection?

2013 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 2768-2787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Battaglia ◽  
Simone Tanelli ◽  
Pavlos Kollias
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Scattering ◽  
Cross Talk ◽  
Doppler Radar ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Doppler Velocity ◽  
Polarization Diversity ◽  
Ka Band ◽  
Convective Clouds ◽  
Pulse Pair ◽  
W Band

Abstract Spaceborne Doppler radars have the potential to provide key missing observations of convective vertical air motions especially over the tropical oceans. Such measurements can improve understanding of the role of tropical convection in vertical energy transport and its interaction with the environment. Several millimeter wavelength Doppler radar concepts have been proposed since the 1990s. The Earth Clouds, Aerosols, and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) will be the first Dopplerized atmospheric radar in space but has not been optimized for Doppler measurements in deep convective clouds. The key challenge that constrains the CPR performance in convective clouds is the range–Doppler dilemma. Polarization diversity (PD) offers a solution to this constraint by decoupling the coherency (Doppler) requirement from the unambiguous range requirement. Careful modeling of the radar signal depolarization and its impact on radar receiver channel cross talk is needed to accurately assess the performance of the PD approach. The end-to-end simulator presented in this work allows reproduction of the signal sensed by a Doppler radar equipped with polarization diversity when overpassing realistic three-dimensional convective cells, with all relevant cross-talk sources accounted for. The notional study highlights that multiple scattering is the primary source of cross talk, highly detrimental for millimeter Doppler velocity accuracy. The ambitious scientific requirement of 1 m s−1 accuracy at 500-m integration for reflectivities above −15 dBZ are within reach for a W-band radar with a 2.5-m antenna with optimal values of the pulse-pair interval between 20 and 30 μs but only once multiple scattering and ghost-contaminated regions are screened out. The identification of such areas is key for Doppler accuracies and can be achieved by employing an interlaced pulse-pair mode that measures the cross and the copolar reflectivities. To mitigate the impact of attenuation and multiple scattering, the Ka band has been considered as either alternative or additional to the W band. However, a Ka system produces worse Doppler performances than a W-band system with the same 2.5-m antenna size. Furthermore, in deep convection it results in similar levels of multiple scattering and therefore it does not increase significantly the depth of penetration. In addition, the larger footprint causes stronger nonuniform beam-filling effects. One advantage of the Ka-band option is the larger Nyquist velocity that tends to reduce the Doppler accuracies. More significant benefits are derived from the Ka band when observing precipitation not as intense as the deep convection is considered here. This study demonstrates that polarization diversity indeed represents a very promising methodology capable of significantly reducing aliasing and Doppler moment estimate errors, two main error sources for Doppler velocity estimates in deep convective systems and a key step to achieving typical mission requirements for convection-oriented millimeter radar-based spaceborne missions.

scholarly journals Snow Studies. Part IV: Ensemble Retrieval of Snow Microphysics from Dual-Wavelength Vertically Pointing Radars

2014 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 1171-1186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanda Szyrmer ◽  
Isztar Zawadzki
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Characteristic Size ◽  
Doppler Spectrum ◽  
Retrieval Algorithm ◽  
Doppler Velocity ◽  
Density Parameter ◽  
W Band ◽  
Functional Forms ◽  
The Difference

Abstract Based on the theory developed in Part III, this paper introduces a new method to retrieve snow microphysics from ground-based collocated X- and W-band vertically pointing Doppler radars. To take into account the variety of microphysical relations observed in natural precipitating snow and to quantify the uncertainty in the retrieval results caused by this variety, the retrieval is formulated using the ensemble-based method. The ensemble is determined by the spread of uncertainties in the microphysical descriptions applied to map the same radar observables to the retrieved quantities. The model descriptors use diverse assumptions concerning functional forms of particle size distribution and mass–velocity relations, all taken from previous observational studies. The mean of each ensemble is assumed to be the best estimate of the retrieval while its spread is defined by the standard deviation that characterizes its uncertainty. The main retrieved products are the characteristic size, the snow mass content, and the density parameter, as well as the vertical air motion. Four observables used in the retrieval are the difference in reflectivities and in Doppler velocities at two wavelengths, together with the equivalent reflectivity factor and Doppler velocity at X band. The solutions that are not consistent with all four observables after taking into account their estimated measurement errors are eliminated from the ensembles. The application of the retrieval algorithm to the real data yields a snow microphysical description that agrees with the snow characteristics seen in the vertical profile of the observed Doppler spectrum.

scholarly journals A Modified Dual-Wavelength Technique for Ku- and Ka-Band Radar Rain Retrieval

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Liao ◽  
Robert Meneghini
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Ratio ◽  
Dual Wavelength ◽  
Ka Band ◽  
A Value ◽  
Raindrop Size Distribution ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Raindrop Size ◽  
Rain Rates ◽  
Rain Retrieval ◽  
Radar Technique

AbstractTo overcome a deficiency in the standard Ku- and Ka-band dual-wavelength radar technique, a modified version of the method is introduced. The deficiency arises from ambiguities in the estimate of the mass-weighted diameter Dm of the raindrop size distribution (DSD) derived from the differential frequency ratio (DFR), defined as the difference between the radar reflectivity factors (dB) at Ku and Ka band ZKu − ZKa. In particular, for DFR values less than zero, there are two possible solutions of Dm, leading to ambiguities in the retrieved DSD parameters. It is shown that the double solutions to Dm are effectively eliminated if the DFR is modified from ZKu − ZKa to ZKu − γZKa (dB), where γ is a constant with a value less than 0.8. An optimal radar algorithm that uses the modified DFR for the retrieval of rain and Dm profiles is described. The validity and accuracy of the algorithm are tested by applying it to radar profiles that are generated from measured DSD data. Comparisons of the rain rates and Dm estimated from the modified DFR algorithm to the same hydrometeor quantities computed directly from the DSD spectra (or the truth) indicate that the modified DFR-based profiling retrievals perform fairly well and are superior in accuracy and robustness to retrievals using the standard DFR.

scholarly journals Combination Analysis of Multi-Wavelength, Multi-Parameter Radar Measurements for Snowfall

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariko Oue ◽  
Pavlos Kollias ◽  
Sergey Y. Matrosov ◽  
Alessandro Battaglia ◽  
Alexander V. Ryzhkov
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Particle Growth ◽  
Particle Identification ◽  
Joint Analysis ◽  
Doppler Velocity ◽  
Polarimetric Radar ◽  
Growth Processes ◽  
Ka Band ◽  
Triple Frequency ◽  
W Band

Abstract. Radar dual wavelength ratio (DWR) measurements from the Stony Brook Radar Observatory Ka-band Scanning Polarimetric Radar (KASPR, 35 GHz), a profiling W-band (94 GHz) and a next generation K-band (24-GHz) Micro Rain Radar (MRRPro) were exploited for ice particle identification using triple frequency approaches. The results indicated that two of the radar frequencies (K- and Ka-band) are not sufficiently separated, thus, the triple radar frequency approaches had limited success. On the other hand, a joint analysis of DWR, mean vertical Doppler velocity (MDV), and polarimetric radar variables indicated potential in identifying ice particle types and distinguishing among different ice growth processes and even in revealing additional microphysical details.We investigated all DWR pairs in conjunction with MDV from the KASPR profiling measurements and differential reflectivity (ZDR) and specific differential phase (KDP) from the KASPR quasi-vertical profiles. The DWR-versus-MDV diagrams coupled with the polarimetric observables exhibited distinct separations of particle populations attributed to different rime degrees and particle growth processes. In fallstreaks, the 35–94 GHz DWR pair increased with the magnitude of MDV corresponding to the scattering calculations for aggregates with lower degrees of riming. The DWR values further increased at lower altitudes while ZDR slightly decreased, indicating further aggregation. Particle populations with higher rime degrees had a similar increase of DWR, but the 1–1.5 m s−1 larger magnitude of MDV and rapid decreases in KDP and ZDR. The analysis also depicted the early stage of riming where ZDR increased with the MDV magnitude collocated with small increases of DWR. This approach will improve quantitative estimations of snow amount and microphysical quantities such as rime mass fraction.

scholarly journals On the Shape–Slope Relation of Drop Size Distributions in Convective Rain

2005 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 1146-1151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Axel Seifert
Keyword(s):  
Size Distribution ◽  
Gamma Distribution ◽  
Drop Size ◽  
Empirical Relation ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Shape Parameters ◽  
Raindrop Size Distribution ◽  
Raindrop Size ◽  
Drop Size Distributions ◽  
Good Agreement

Abstract The relation between the slope and shape parameters of the raindrop size distribution parameterized by a gamma distribution is examined. The comparison of results of a simple rain shaft model with an empirical relation based on disdrometer measurements at the surface shows very good agreement, but a more detailed discussion reveals some difficulties—for example, deviations from the gamma shape and the overestimation of collisional breakup.

scholarly journals The reproducibility of subjective appetite scores

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 517-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Raben ◽  
ANNA TAGLIABUE ◽  
Arne Astrup
Keyword(s):  
Visual Analogue Scale ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Analogue Scale ◽  
Prior Experience ◽  
Random Noise ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Mean Differences

Although subjective appetite scores are widely used, studies on the reproducibility of this method are scarce. In the present study nine healthy, normal weight, young men recorded their subjective appetite sensations before and during 5 h after two different test meals A and B. The subjects tested each meal twice and in randomized order. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, 10 cm in length, were used to assess hunger, satiety, fullness, prospective food consumption and palatability of the meals. Plasma glucose and lactate concentrations were determined concomitantly. The repeatability was investigated for fasting values, Δ-mean 5 h and mean 5 h values, Δ-peak/nadir and peak/nadir values. Although the profiles of the postprandial responses were similar, the coefficients of repeatability (CR = 2SD) on the mean differences were large, ranging from 2·86 to 5.24 cm for fasting scores, 1·36 to 1·88 cm for mean scores, 2·98 to 5·42 cm for Δ-mean scores, and 3·16 to 6·44 cm for peak and Δ-peak scores. For palatability ratings the CK values varied more, ranging from 2·38 (taste) to 8·70 cm (aftertaste). Part of the difference in satiety ratings could be explained by the differences in palatability ratings. However, the low reproducibility may also be caused by a conditioned satiation or hunger due to the subjects' prior experience of the meals and therefore not just be a reflection of random noise. It is likely, however, that the variation in appetite ratings is due both to methodological day-to-day variation and to biological day-to-day variation in subjective appetite sensations.

scholarly journals On the Spectral and Polarimetric Signatures of a Bright Scatterer before and after Hardware Replacement

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 919
Author(s):  
Marco Gabella
Keyword(s):  
Low Noise ◽  
Low Noise Amplifiers ◽  
Doppler Velocity ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Differential Phase Shift ◽  
Spectral Signatures ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Radar Calibration ◽  
Small Dispersion

A previous study has used the stable and peculiar echoes backscattered by a single “bright scatterer” (BS) during five winter days to characterize the hardware of C-band, the dual-polarization radar located at Monte Lema (1625 m altitude) in Southern Switzerland. The BS is the 90 m tall metallic tower on Cimetta (1633 m altitude, 18 km range). In this note, the statistics of the echoes from the BS were derived from other ten dry days with normal propagation conditions in winter 2015 and January 2019. The study confirms that spectral signatures, such as spectrum width, wideband noise and Doppler velocity, were persistently stable. Regarding the polarimetric signatures, the large values (with small dispersion) of the copolar correlation coefficient between horizontal and vertical polarization were also confirmed: the average value was 0.9961 (0.9982) in winter 2015 (January 2019); the daily standard deviations were very small, ranging from 0.0007 to 0.0030. The dispersion of the differential phase shift was also confirmed to be quite small: the daily standard deviation ranged from a minimum of 2.5° to a maximum of 5.3°. Radar reflectivities in both polarizations were typically around 80 dBz and were confirmed to be among the largest values observed in the surveillance volume of the Monte Lema radar. Finally, another recent 5-day data set from January 2020 was analyzed after the replacement of the radar calibration unit that includes low noise amplifiers: these five days show poorer characteristics of the polarimetric signatures and a few outliers affecting the spectral signatures. It was shown that the “historical” polarimetric and spectral signatures of a bright scatterer could represent a benchmark for an in-depth comparison after hardware replacements.

Rain drop size distributions estimated from NOAA Snow-Level Radar data

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Drop Size ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Limited Range ◽  
Doppler Velocity ◽  
Velocity Spectrum ◽  
A Value ◽  
Rain Drop ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Air Motion ◽  
Drop Size Distributions

Abstract Using NOAA’s S-band High Power Snow-Level Radar, HPSLR, a technique for estimating the rain drop size distribution (DSD) above the radar is presented. This technique assumes the DSD can be described by a four parameter, generalized Gamma distribution (GGD). Using the radar’s measured average Doppler velocity spectrum and a value (assumed, measured, or estimated) of the vertical air motion, w, an estimate of the GGD is obtained. Four different methods can be used to obtain w. One method that estimates a mean mass-weighted raindrop diameter, Dm, from the measured reflectivity, Z, produces realistic DSDs compared to prior literature examples. These estimated DSDs provide evidence that the radar can retrieve the smaller drop sizes constituting the “drizzle” mode part of the DSD. This estimation technique was applied to 19 h of observations from Hankins, NC. Results support the concept that DSDs can be modeled using GGDs with a limited range of parameters. Further work is needed to validate the described technique for estimating DSDs in more varied precipitation types and to verify the vertical air motion estimates.

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