An Investigation on Super- and Sub-Terminal Drops in Two Different Rain Categories and Climate Regimes

The pressing need for accurate and reliable precipitation measurements forecasting poses theoretical technological problems. Remote-sensing instruments with increased coverage sensitivity (such as space-borne ground-based radar) are available; however, their full exploitation requires physical calibration validation based on a deep knowledge of microphysics. This study reports detailed analysis the evidence non-terminal velocities in mid-latitude (Bologna, Italy) tropical location (Kolkata, India). data from two identical disdrometers OTT-Parsivel2 were analyzed to shed light nature raindrops that fall at velocity is significantly higher (i.e., super-terminal drops) or lower (sub-terminal than terminal expected raindrop sizes. results show significant fraction super- sub-terminal drops both locations. percentages Kolkata. However, difference was more notable convective rain. found be high within drop diameter 1 mm. number seemed increase an larger ~2.5 natural rain Bologna showed stronger break-up correspondence evolution velocities. Moreover, this once again pointed toward fact process cannot neglected We 7% 10% samples Kolkata subjected break-up. indicate radar tropics regions, relying Gunn–Kinzer relationship between diameter, should verified by observations precision QPE.