Multiparameter radar modeling and observations of melting ice

Abstract

This paper uses a microphysically detailed graupel and hail melting model, described by Rasmussen and Heymsfield, which is coupled to a radar model that computes multiparameter variables such as differential reflectivity, linear depolarization ratio, the specific propagation differential phase shift and X-band specific attenuation. The microphysical model is initialized with two different summer-time sounding profiles (Colorado and Alabama). Sensitivity studies are performed with respect to particle shape and orientation distributions. The hail melting model is also initialized with a summertime sounding from the Munich, FRG area, and C-band differential reflectivity is computed for application to radar data from the DFVLR radar. A simple spherical hail melting model is also used to study the effects of absorption and scattering on the X-band attenuation. -from Authors