Parameterisation of the raindrop size distribution using polarimetric weather radar measurements in comparison with Joss-Waldvogel disdrometer measurements

Abstract

The quantitative areal precipitation estimation by using ground based weather radar measurements is an appropriate method for researchers and end-users in the fields of meteorology, hydrology and water management. Although there are existing single-parameter algorithms, such as the reflectivity-rainfall rate-relations, which are often used to estimate the quantitative areal precipitation when having non-polarimetric weather radar measurements, these algorithms are often very inaccurate. A more accurate estimation of the quantitative areal precipitation is possible when having a more detailed knowledge of the raindrop size distribution in the observed volume. This work will reflect upon the parameterisation of the raindrop size distribution using polarimetric weather radar measurements (coherent polarimetric C-band weather radar POLDIRAD, DLR site at Oberpfaffenhofen) and will give a comparison with Joss-Waldvogel disdrometer measurements. The results of this work will be presented in the form of figures and tables and summarised in the form of empirical relationships between the polarimetric weather radar measurements, the Joss-Waldvogel disdrometer measurements and the parameters of the raindrop size distribution.