Differential reflectivity and phase distributions as functions of fall speed
Abstract
The IPIX radar has been used to study the coherent-polarimetric properties of precipitation. Radar measurements of rain are made at moderate elevation angles. For these angles the distribution of hydrometer fall speeds is apparent in the Doppler spectrum. At the same time, the oblateness of drops imparts a differential reflectivity and phase on the polarimetric return. Thus, drops of differing shapes are sorted out by their fall speeds and result in a spectrum or distribution of differential reflectivity and phase.