Hydrometeor scatter studies at 30 GHz: measurements and modelling

The authors describe the results of a bistatic hydrometeor scatter experiment in the 30-GHz band that is being conducted by the Research Institute of the DBP (the Administration of Posts and Telecommunications in the Federal Republic of Germany). The purpose of this experiment is to collect reliable statistical data about signal levels produced by hydrometeor scatter under different geometric configurations. In addition the authors want to gain some information regarding specific questions, e.g. the variation with height of the reflectivity, the influence of the varying height of the 0° isotherm with ice above the liquid water below, and the difference between forward and backscatter geometries. Available models and prediction methods of hydrometeor scatter will be tested against this data and, suggestions how to improve the models derived therefrom