Electromagnetic scattering from large rain drops versus melting hail

Electromagnetic scattering by large rain drops and melting hail is considered using the T-matrix method as well as the higher order method of moments in surface integral equation formulation. For the former method, smoothed conical shapes are used whereas for the latter method, an ice sphere surrounded by a water torus is considered. Results show much higher differential attenuation factor for hail particles, with the smallest hail showing similar values to the largest rain drops. This can explain very high differential attenuation reported in intense storms at C-band in some studies.