Improved Estimates of the Vertical Structures of Rain Using Single Frequency Doppler Radars

It is important to understand the statistical–physical structure of rain in vertical so that observations aloft can be translated meaningfully into what will occur at surface. In order achieve this understanding, it necessary gather high temporal and spatial resolution vertical. This achieved by translating radar Doppler spectra drop size distributions. A long-standing difficulty using such measurements, however, problem air motion, which shift therefore significantly alter deduced distributions integrated variables. work, we overcome requiring measured reflectivity calculated rainfall rates satisfy fundamental physical theory. As a consequence, mean airspeed estimated removed. Application new approach demonstrated vertically pointing weak convection. shown produces appear better estimates as well regionally coherent updraft downdrafts occurring precipitation. The technique readily applicable other radars, especially those operating non-attenuating frequencies.