Optimization of Multiparameter Radar Estimates of Rainfall

Abstract

The estimates of rainfall rate derived from a multiparameter radar based on reflectivity factor (RZH), differential reflectivity (RDR), and specific differential propagation phase (RDP) have widely varying accuracies over the dynamic range of the natural occurrence of rainfall. This paper presents a framework to optimally combine the three estimates, RZH, RDR, and RDP, to derive the best estimate of rainfall using coherent multiparameter radars. The optimization procedure is demonstrated for application to multiparameter radar measurements at C band.