snowScatt 1.0: consistent model of microphysical and scattering properties of rimed and unrimed snowflakes based on the self-similar Rayleigh–Gans approximation

Abstract. More detailed observational capabilities in the microwave (MW) range and advancements details of microphysical schemes for ice snow demand increasing complexity to be included scattering databases. The majority existing databases rely on discrete dipole approximation (DDA) whose high computational costs limit either variety particle types or parameters included, such as frequency, temperature, size. snowScatt tool is innovative that it provides consistent properties an ensemble 50 000 snowflake aggregates generated with different physical models. Many diverse types, including rimed particles monomer composition, are accounted for. formulation adopted by based self-similar Rayleigh–Gans (SSRGA), which capable modeling large ensembles particles. Previous comparisons SSRGA DDA extended this study unrimed up centimeter sizes frequencies sub-millimeter spectrum. results generally reveal wide applicability method active passive MW applications. Unlike databases, set can used infer at any frequency refractive index; also tools derive new sets structures, easily library. flexibility respect applications require continuously changing definitions demonstrated a forward simulation example output predicted (P3) scheme. same level commonly T-matrix solutions, while computed reach accuracy calculations.