Dual-Polarization Radar Fingerprints of Precipitation Physics: A Review

This article reviews how precipitation microphysics processes are observed in dual-polarization radar observations. These so-called fingerprints of precipitation processes are observed as vertical gradients in radar observables. Fingerprints of rain processes are first reviewed, followed by processes involving snow and ice. Then, emerging research is introduced, which includes more quantitative analysis of these dual-polarization radar fingerprints to obtain microphysics model parameters and microphysical process rates. New results based on a detailed rain shaft bin microphysical model are presented, and we conclude with an outlook of potentially fruitful future research directions.

Automated summary

This article reviews the observation of precipitation microphysics processes using dual-polarization radar. These processes are observed as vertical gradients in radar observables, known as fingerprints. The fingerprints of rain processes are discussed first, followed by snow and ice processes. The article also introduces emerging research that uses these fingerprints for quantitative analysis to obtain microphysics model parameters and process rates. New results based on a detailed rain shaft bin microphysical model are presented, and potential future research directions are also discussed.