Retrieval of raindrop shape-size relation using dual polarization radar measurements

Dual polarization radar measurements of rainfall parameters are based on the assumption of a mean shape-size relationship of raindrops. This paper focuses on retrieving and interpreting the mean raindrop shape-size relation from polarimetric radar observations. A procedure to retrieve the drop shape-size relation that governs the polarimetric radar observations of reflectivity (Z_h) differential reflectivity (Z_dr) and specific differential propagation phase (K_dp) is presented. The mean drop shape-size relations retrieved from measurements collected by the NCAR SPOL radar during three campaigns are analyzed to explore whether the natural raindrop shape-size relation can be described by a unique model.