A generalized analysis of dual-polarization radar measurements of rain
Article first published online: 7 DEC 2012
Copyright 1984 by the American Geophysical Union.
Volume 19, Issue 1, pages 90–98, January-February 1984
How to Cite
1984), A generalized analysis of dual-polarization radar measurements of rain, Radio Sci., 19(1), 90–98, doi:10.1029/RS019i001p00090., and (
- Issue published online: 7 DEC 2012
- Article first published online: 7 DEC 2012
- Manuscript Accepted: 18 MAY 1983
- Manuscript Received: 8 OCT 1982
In the study of meteorological phenomena by radar, it has been shown that dual-polarization radar measurements can yield useful data about precipitation structures within the radar beam. The techniques available for dual-polarized radar measurement are differential reflectivity (ZDR), linear depolarization ratio (LDR), and circular depolarization ratio (CDR). This paper presents a theoretical analysis of backscattering from a volume filled with raindrops using Rayleigh scattering theory. A generalized radar equation is given in matrix form, and the dependence of backscatter measurements in terms of a rainstorm model including raindrop shape, size, and canting angle is examined. Calculated results which show the dependence of ZDR on beam elevation angle and polarization angle are presented. Some results for LDR and CDR are presented, showing how these quantities depend on raindrop parameters.