Effective shape of raindrops. Polarimetric radar perspective

In this study, polarimetric radar measurements are used for estimating mean shape of raindrops for several rain events. A linear dependence of the axis ratio on equivolume raindrop diameter is assumed, and the slope β of such dependence is obtained from the measurements of reflectivity factor Z, differential reflectivity Z_DR, and specific differential phase K_DP. Within-the-storm and between-the-storm variations of the parameter β are the primary focus of this investigation.