Dual Ka-band radar experiment for the DPR algorithm development

A dual Ka-band radar system is developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) dual-wavelength radar (DPR) algorithm development. The usage of the system is to measure backscattering and extinction cross sections by precipitation separately, and to provide testbed data for DPR algorithm. The parameters required in the DPR algorithm are raindrop size distribution for the liquid precipitation, and particle density, shape, and melting ratio for the solid precipitation. When the two Ka-radar systems separated by 10-20 km observe precipitation in between two radars, the specific attenuation can be measured. Along with other radar, a C-band radar, Mie scattering effect which is deviation from Rayleigh scattering could be estimated. A field experiment using the dual Ka-radar system is conducted in Okinawa Island. A C-band polarization Doppler radar is also operated, and preliminary result is presented.