Modeling, Error Analysis, and Evaluation of Dual-Polarization Variables Obtained from Simultaneous Horizontal and Vertical Polarization Transmit Radar. Part II: Experimental Data

Abstract

In this second article in a two-part work, the biases of weather radar polarimetric variables from simultaneous horizontally and vertically transmit (SHV) data are investigated. The biases are caused by cross coupling of the simultaneously transmitted vertical (V) and horizontal (H) electric fields. There are two primary causes of cross coupling: 1) the nonzero mean canting angle of the propagation medium (e.g., canted ice crystals) and 2) antenna polarization errors. Given herein are experimental data illustrating both bias sources. In Part I, a model is developed and used to quantify cross coupling and its impact on polarization measurements. Here, in Part II, experimental data from the National Center for Atmospheric Research?s (NCAR?s) S-band dual-polarimetric Doppler radar (S-Pol) and the National Severe Storms Laboratory?s polarimetric Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D), KOUN, are used to illustrate biases in differential reflectivity (Zdr). The S-Pol data are unique: both SHV data and fast alternating H and V transmit (FHV) data are gathered in close time proximity, and thus the FHV data provide ?truth? for the SHV data. Specifically, the SHV Zdr bias in rain caused by antenna polarization errors is clearly demonstrated by the data. This has not been shown previously in the literature.