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Comparison of Radar Rainfall Retrieval Algorithms in Convective Rain During TOGA COAREThe authors compare deterministic and stochastic rain-rate retrieval algorithms by applying them to 14-GHz nadir-looking airborne radar reflectivity profiles acquired in tropical convective rain during the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment, The deterministic algorithms both use the path-integrated attenuation (PIA), measured by the surface reference technique, as a constraint. One deterministic algorithm corrects the k-R relation, while the second corrects the Z-R relation. The stochastic algorithms are based on applying an extended Kalman filter to the reflectivity profile. One employs radar reflectivity only; the other additionally uses the PIA. The authors find that the stochastic algorithm, which uses the PIA, is the most robust algorithm with regard to incorrect assumptions about the drop size distribution (DSD). The deterministic algorithm that uses the PIA to adjust the Z-R relation is also fairly robust and produces rain rates similar to the stochastic algorithm that uses the PIA, The deterministic algorithm that adjusts only the k-R relation and the stochastic radar-only algorithm are more sensitive to assumptions about the DSD. It is likely that they underestimate convective rainfall, especially if the DSD is erroneously assumed to be appropriate for stratiform rain conditions.
Document ID
20000099753
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Durden, Stephen L.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Haddad, Z. S.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1998
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology
Publisher: American Meteorological Society
Volume: 15
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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