Prediction and comparisons of C-band reflectivity profiles from S-band dual polarization measurements

Apparent reflectivity factors measured by a radar operating at an attenuating wavelength can be adequately predicted by using the reflectivity factors at horizontal and vertical polarizations measured at a non-attenuating wavelength. This capability is important for understanding effects of rainfall on both microwave communication systems and the operation of weather radars operating at attenuating wavelengths. This paper examines and tests this capability by using S-band dual polarization radar measurements to predict C-band radar reflectivity measurements of the same storm but from a different location. The predictions of C-band observations were obtained from disdrometer-derived relationships between S-band reflectivity factor Z _H(10 cm) and differential reflectivity Z_DR measurements and C-band reflectivity factor Z_H(5 cm) and specific attenuation A_H. Apparent reflectivity factor measurements at C-band, derived from S-band measurements, compared very well with actual measurements in the same storm. The results support the use of the dual polarization radar technique for predicting scattering and attenuation effects of narrow beam microwave signals propagating through rain-filled media along paths other than that traversed by the radar