Automated retrievals of precipitation parameters using non-Rayleigh scattering at 95 GHz

Automated retrievals of vertical air motion and the drop size distribution (DSD) slope parameter from the surface to the base of the melting layer are presented using a technique for W-band (95 GHz) profiling radars. The technique capitalizes on non-Rayleigh resonance signatures found in the observed Doppler spectra to estimate the mean vertical air motion. The slope parameter of the DSD for an assumed exponential form is retrieved through an inversion of the Doppler spectra. Extended testing is performed in central Oklahoma for a monthlong period of observation that includes several midlatitude convective line trailing stratiform events featuring low to moderate rainfall rates (<1 to 30 mm h^-1). Low-level DSD slope parameter retrievals are shown in agreement (bias of -1.48 cm^-1 and rms error of 4.38 cm^-1) with collocated surface disdrometer DSD observations. Velocity retrievals indicate a net downward motion in stratiform rain of 0.05 m s^-1 with a standard deviation of 0.24-0.3 m s^-1. Time-height examples drawn from the available dataset illustrate finescale structures, as well as evidence of drop sorting due to differential terminal velocity and wind shear.