Identification of hydrometeors and other targets by dual‐polarization radar

Abstract

Whereas different hydrometeor types cannot be readily distinguished using radar reflectivity alone, this paper shows how the differential reflectivity available from dual‐polarization radars can be used as an indicator of hydrometeor type (when supported by reflectivity factor also), and that the spatial variability of differential reflectivity is a useful addition. Various hydrometeor types, ground targets, and burnt chaff from straw fires may be identified, whereas conventional radar reflectivity measurement alone would require considerable pattern recognition to make the same distinctions.