Retrieval of Atmospheric Attenuation Using Combined Ground-based and Airborne 95-GHz Cloud Radar Measurements

摘要

Cloud measurements at millimeter-wave frequencies are affected by attenuation due to atmospheric gases, clouds, and precipitation. Estimation of the true equivalent radar reflectivity, Z_e, is complicated because extinction mechanisms are not well characterized at these short wavelengths. This paper discusses cloud radar calibration and intercomparison of airborne and ground-based radar measurements and presents a unique algorithm for attenuation retrieval.