A Regression-Free Rainfall Estimation Algorithm for Dual-Polarization Radars

In this study a new radar rainfall estimation algorithm—rainfall estimation using simulated raindrop size distributions (RESID)—was developed. This algorithm development was based upon the recent finding that measured and simulated raindrop size distributions (DSDs) with matching triplets of dual-po...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of atmospheric and oceanic technology 2018-08, Vol.35 (8), p.1701-1721
Main Authors: Pei, Bin, Testik, Firat Y.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accuracy
Algorithms
Atmospheric precipitations
Computer simulation
Convective clouds
Cost function
Dual polarization radar
Forecasting
Mathematical analysis
Mountains
Noise
Noise measurement
Polarization
Precipitation
Radar
Radar measurement
Radar rainfall
Radar rainfall estimation
Rain
Rain gauges
Rainfall
Rainfall estimation
Rainfall measurement
Rainfall simulators
Reflectance
Weather forecasting
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Summary:In this study a new radar rainfall estimation algorithm—rainfall estimation using simulated raindrop size distributions (RESID)—was developed. This algorithm development was based upon the recent finding that measured and simulated raindrop size distributions (DSDs) with matching triplets of dual-polarization radar observables (i.e., horizontal reflectivity, differential reflectivity, and specific differential phase) produce similar rain rates. The RESID algorithm utilizes a large database of simulated gamma DSDs, theoretical rain rates calculated from the simulated DSDs, the corresponding dual-polarization radar observables, and a set of cost functions. The cost functions were developed using both the measured and simulated dual-polarization radar observables. For a given triplet of measured radar observables, RESID chooses a suitable cost function from the set and then identifies nine of the simulated DSDs from the database that minimize the value of the chosen cost function. The rain rate associated with the given radar observable triplet is estimated by averaging the calculated theoretical rain rates for the identified simulated DSDs. This algorithm is designed to reduce the effects of radar measurement noise on rain-rate retrievals and is not subject to the regression uncertainty introduced in the conventional development of the rain-rate estimators. The rainfall estimation capability of our new algorithm was demonstrated by comparing its performance with two benchmark algorithms through the use of rain gauge measurements from the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E) and the Olympic Mountains Experiment (OLYMPEx). This comparison showed favorable performance of the new algorithm for the rainfall events observed during the field campaigns.
ISSN:0739-0572
1520-0426
DOI:10.1175/JTECH-D-17-0201.1