A Review of the Differential Reflectivity Technique of Measunng Rainfall

A review is presented of a technique that uses dual-polarization radar to measure rainfall rate and other precipitation parameters. Special emphasis is placed on those factors that limit the potential accuracy of the method through their effects on the theoretical and empirical relationships between rainfall parameters and radar measurables. These factors include variations in the form of the raindrop size distribution, uncertainties in the relationship between equivalent spherical diameter and axial ratio of the drops, and others. It is shown that when account is taken of such factors, the results of field experiments are in very good agreement with the theory.