A new method of estimating microwave attenuation over a slant propagation path based on rain gauge data

A basic problem in estimating the microwave attenuation over a satellite-earth propagation path on the basis of rain gauge data is that, for a given precipitation event, the attenuation and the rainfall records very often do not have consistent detailed correlation. Such inconsistencies can be greatly reduced if the falling speed of the rain drops, i.e., 2 to 9 m/s for drop sizes of 0.05 to 0.7 cm, is taken into account. Adjustments in time and drop size spectrum are needed for data collected from field rain gauges to realize the actual rainfall along the slant path for correlating rain gauge data with measured satellite signals.