Evaluation and Validation of GPM Dual-Frequency Classification Module after Launch

The Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) on board the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory has reflectivity measurements at two different frequencies: Ku and Ka bands. The dual-frequency ratio from the measurements has been used to perform rain type classification and microphysics retrieval in the current DPR level 2 algorithm. The dual-frequency classification module is a new module in the GPM level 2 algorithm. The module performs rain type classification and melting region detection using the vertical profile of the dual-frequency ratio. This paper presents an evaluation of the performance of the GPM dual-frequency classification module after launch. The evaluation process includes a comparison between the dual-frequency classification results and the TRMM legacy single-frequency results, as well as validation with ground radars.