DPR Dual-Frequency Precipitation Classification

Abstract

Profile classification is a critical module in the microphysics retrieval algorithm for the dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) that on board the global precipitation measurement (GPM) core satellite. It does rain type classification, hydrometeor profile characterization, and surface snowfall identification at each Ku- and Ka- band matched footprint of DPR. Vertical characteristics of measured dual-frequency ratio (DFRm), defined as the difference between measured reflectivity at two frequency channels (Ku- and Ka- band) in dB scale, were key information that extensively used in various algorithms. This chapter introduces the theoretical basis of these algorithms. Validation activities are illustrated as well.