Backscattering by and propagation through the melting layer of precipitation: a new polarimetric model

A simple physical model of the melting layer of precipitation is presented. It is able to simulate the polarization-dependence of radar reflections and radio signals propagating through the melting layer. The radar observables are calculated in the Rayleigh regime. The propagation observables are given in the range of 5-50 GHz, and are calculated with an extended Rayleigh approximation. The model requires the rain intensity and the mass density of the snowflakes as input parameters. Radar observations, made with the Delft Atmospheric Research Radar, are used to discuss physical processes in the melting layer. Finally, model simulations are compared with radar data obtained with the Chilbolton radar of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories