Raindrop Size Distribution Retrieval And Evaluation Using An S-band Radar Profiler

Vertical pointing Doppler radar profilers are used to explore the vertical structure of precipitation cloud systems and to provide validation information for use in weather research. In this thesis, a theoretical radar rain-backscatter model was developed to simulate profiler Doppler spectra as a function of assumed rain parameters, of which the raindrop size distribution (DSD) is the fundamental quantity used to describe the characteristics of rain. Also, profiler observations during stratiform rain are analyzed to retrieve the corresponding rain DSD’s. In particular, a gamma distribution model is introduced, which uses Rayleigh scattering portion of the Doppler velocity spectrum to estimate the raindrop size distribution. This theoretical scattering model was validated by simulating atmospheric profiles of precipitation Doppler spectra and three moments (reflectivity, mean Doppler velocity and spectral width) and then comparing these with the corresponding measurements from an S-band radar profiler during a NASA conducted Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) field experiment in Central Florida in 1998. Also, the results of my analysis yielding precipitation retrievals are validated with an independent, simultaneous Joss-Waldvogel Disdrometer rain DSD observations that were collocated with the radar profiler.

Author dc:creator

• Fang, Fang

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jones, W. Linwood

• Profiler
• Radar
• Remote sensing
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Engineering
• Dissertations, Academic -- Engineering and Computer Science; Engineering and Computer Science -- Dissertations, Academic

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

CFE0000127

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:etd-1024