Speaker
Description
We present a novel method of using two or three collocated microwave link instruments to estimate the three parameters of a gamma raindrop size distribution (DSD) model. This allows path-average DSD measurements over a path length of several kilometers as opposed to the point measurements of conventional disdrometers. Our model is validated in a round-trip manner using simulated DSD fields as well as a five laser disdrometers installed along a path. Different potential link combinations of frequency and polarization are investigated. We also present preliminary results from the application of this method to an experimental setup of collocated microwave links measuring at 26 GHz and 38 GHz along a 2.2 km path. Simulations show that a DSD retrieval on the basis of microwave links can be highly accurate. We found that a triple link retrieval provides no added benefit over a dual link retrieval. In practice, the accuracy and success of the retrieval is highly dependent on the stability of the base power level.
