Multiparameter Radar Measurements in Colorado Convective Storms. Part II: Hail Detection Studies

Abstract

In this part II paper we focus on hail detection using the NCAR CP-2 radar measurements from which ZH, ZDR, LDR, and dual-frequency ratio can be derived. A major feature of this paper relates to rigorous computations of multiparameter observables, including circular polarization observables, from model hail distributions, and to consideration of propagation effects in moderate-to-intense rainfall. Multiparameter radar measurements of hail are presented using data gathered during the MAYPOLE'83 and '84 field programs. These hail measurements are found to be consistent with model computations. Hail signature locations using ZDR, dual-frequency ratio, and LDR are shown to be in excellent agreement. The vertical structure of ZDR, (below the melting level), LDR (above the melting level), and dual-frequency ratio yield new and interesting information on hail shaft structure and vertical extent. Examples of radar data from MAYPOLE '84 are used to illustrate these inferences.