An Analysis on Microphysical Characteristics of Convective Storms using an Operational S-band Dual-Polarimetric Radar

The rain microphysics within a convective storm is examined using the governing microphysical parameters of normalized drop size distributions (DSDs) that are retrieved from polarimetric measurements of an operational S-band dual-polarization radar. The generalized number concentration and mass-weighted mean diameter are retrieved from dual-polarimetric measurement using the empirical relationships between microphysical parameters and ZH and ZDR that are derived from observed DSDs by two-dimensional video disdrometer (2DVD) for ten months. For the case of squall line, we compared the microphysical parameters between two different regions of convective core with reflectivity greater (leading edge in squall line) than 35 dBZ and moderate rain regions (trailing stratiform regions). The generalized number concentration (mass-weighted mean diameter) at leading edge of squall line is smaller (greater) than ones at stratiform regions. In addition, we examined the effects of wet radome on the retrieval of microphysical parameters.

Acknowledgement This research was supported by a grant (14AWMP-B079364-01) from Water Management Research Program funded by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Korean government.