DSD characterization and computations of expected reflectivity using data from a two-dimensional video disdrometer deployed in Puerto Rico.

摘要

Accurate estimation of drop size distribution (DSD) for all rain rates is necessary to develop and validate rainfall retrieval algorithms. The Two-Dimensional Video Disdrometer (2DVD) presented in this research offers a new approach to measuring DSDs.; A 2DVD was deployed in Puerto Rico. An initial DSD characterization was performed to compare with previous studies. The event considered was Tropical Storm Jeanne that passed on September 15th and 16th , 2004. Preliminary results confirmed that DSDs are highly variable between coastal and mountainous regions, as suggested by Ulbrich (1999), even in a small island like this.; In addition, this work intends to improve the reliability of rain algorithms used in tropical regions, expecting to enhance rainfall rates (R) estimation. The expected radar reflectivity Z is calculated from 2DVD-measured DSDs and compared with measured Z from the National Weather Service WSR-88D radar. Different Z-R relationships for both days are obtained from these calculations.