X-Band Attenuation and Liquid Water Content Estimation by a Dual-Wavelength Radar

Abstract

Direct measurements of attenuation due to liquid water content (LWC) between two points in the common beam of a dual-wavelength radar system will be possible using a real-time digital processor of radar signals presently under construction. Precise measurements of attenuation are possible since accurate absolute calibration of the radars is not required. A resolution of 0.65 dB km?1 is possible in contiguous kilometer sections along the beam axis with an average over 32 independent values of echo power. In terms of LWC this is a resolution of ?2 mg m?3 of precipitation using a new relation M = 2.23A0.787where M is the liquid water content (gm m?2) and A the attenuation rate (dB km?1) along the common beam.