Z-R relationship for individual snowfall and its evaluation

Relationship between radar reflectivity factor (Z) and precipitation rate (R) is important in estimating precipitation rate. This is called "Z-R relationship" and generally derived in the power-law form. A new snowfall observation system and techniques were proposed to determine the detailed Z-R relationship corresponding to each snowfall event. The best-fit Z-R relation for each snowfall event was calculated. It was possible to classify Z-R relationship of snowfall into 3 types. Effects of size distribution and fall velocity of snow particles on the Z-R relationship were examined.