Analysis of equatorial rainfall characteristics by drop size distributions and rain rate-radar reflectivity relation

Abstract

In remote sensing, it is vital to do a proper analysis of rainfall for the retrieval of rain data. The rain-induced attenuation and radar reflectivity mainly rely on drop size distribution (DSD). The rain rate-radar reflectivity (ZR) relation varies broadly over different climatic regions, rainfall regimes, and seasonal characteristics, especially in the tropical region. This study examines a one year of continuous measureements of DSD using ground-based distrometers at three different equatorial locations and investigates the rain types classification based on the microphysical properties of the rainfall. A large variation in the ZR relation parameters was discovered, highlighting the localized climate nature in the region. Additionally, the accumulated rain amounts were mainly influenced by convective rain although lower occurrence time of convective rain in comparison with stratiform rain.