A microwave scattering model for ground-based remote sensing of snowfall and freezing rain

A microwave backscattering model for ground-based remote sensing of precipitation is developed and used to analyze back scattering measurements from snowfall and rain type precipitation. Backscattering from entire precipitation region is calculated by solving vector radiative transfer (VRT) equations. Geophysical parameters for rain or snow are determined by considering altitude and latent range. VRT equations are solved numerically by using matrix doubling method to take into account multiple-scattering effects. Results from model analyses agree well with measured radar data.