Analysis of dual polarization radar observations in the Helsinki test bed

The unique characteristics of the dual-polarization radar observations of precipitation have several applications. For example, the reflectivity, differential reflectivity and differential propagation phase in rain follow self consistency, which allows determining the mean shape of raindrops. At the same time, the accuracy of calibration can be tested, by using a known model of shapes. The specific differential phase and attenuation relate to the real and imaginary parts of the forward scatter amplitudes of precipitation, respectively. This constraint allows estimating the cumulative attenuation from the differential propagation phase. Spectra of dual polarization received signals reveal further signatures, which are useful in adaptive clutter and noise suppressions. This paper describes another type of use of the dual polarization characteristics, to extend the data interpretation capability.