A Theory-Based Hydrometeor Identification Algorithm for X-Band Polarimetric Radars

Although much work has been done at S band to automatically identify hydrometeors by using polarimetric radar, several challenges are presented when adapting such algorithms to X band. At X band, attenuation and non-Rayleigh scattering can pose significant problems. This study seeks to develop a hydrometeor identification (HID) algorithm for X band based on theoretical simulations using the T-matrix scattering model of seven different hydrometeor types: rain, drizzle, aggregates, pristine ice crystals, low-density graupel, high-density graupel, and vertical ice. Hail and mixed-phase hydrometeors are excluded for the purposes of this study. Non-Rayleigh scattering effects are explored by comparison with S-band simulations. Variable ranges based on the theoretical simulations are used to create one-dimensional fuzzy-logic membership beta functions that form the basis of the new X-band HID. The theory-based X-band HID is applied to a case from the Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) Integrated Project 1 (IP1) network of X-band radars, and comparisons are made with similar S-band hydrometeor identification algorithms applied to data from the S-band polarimetric Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) prototype radar, KOUN. The X-band HID shows promise for illustrating bulk hydrometeor types and qualitatively agrees with analysis from KOUN. A simple reflectivity- and temperature-only HID is also applied to both KOUN and CASA IP1 data to reveal benefits of the polarimetric-based HID algorithms, especially in the classification of ice hydrometeors and oriented ice crystals.