Evaluations of Particle Scattering Models for Falling Snow

Abstract:

Several millimeter wavelength scattering models have been developed over the past decade that could potentially be more accurate than the standard “soft sphere” model, a model with is used in GPM algorithms to retrieve snowfall precipitation rates from dual frequency radar measurements. Results from the GCPEx mission, a GPM Ground Validation experiment that flew HVPS and CIP particle imaging probes through snowstorms within fields of Ku/Ka band reflectivity, provide the data necessary to evaluate simulations of non-Rayleigh reflectivity against measured values. This research uses T-Matrix spheroid, RGA spheroid, and Mie Sphere simulations, as well as variations on axial ratio and diameter-density relationships, to quantify the merits and errors of different forward simulation strategies.