ER2-HIWRAP Observed Vertical Profiles of Reflectivity and Doppler Velocity in Deep Convection During MC3E

Retrieval of precipitation in mixed-phase region in convection over land is a challenging problem in GPM DPR algorithm. Dual-wavelength (Ku/Ka band) airborne radar observations from the NASA's ER2-HIWRAP radar system in deep convections during MC3E provide observations that can be used to test assumptions in the algorithm for retrievals in the mixed-phase region. In this study, we use the reflectivity and Doppler velocity from ER2-HIWRAP, and Zh and ZDR from ground-based polarimetric radar to show that the present of mixed-phased hydrometeor (e.g., water-coated hail/graupel) produces a scattering signature similar to the bright band in stratiform rain. Such signature may be used to identify the mixed phased region in deep convective storm. We will also discuss implications of using this information for the GPM radar and radiometer retrieval algorithms.