Rain measurement results derived from a two polarization S-band radar employing frequency diversity at Wallops Island, Virginia
A dual polarization meteorological radar is described. It operates with a slow switch having a cycle time of 0.7 sec and incorporates a frequency diversity technique to achieve independent sampling over short intervals of time. Rain rate measurements derived from the dual polarization radar and low and high resolution rain gages located at a remote site are compared. Average percent differences in rainfall of < 5% and 16% are demonstrated when comparing the dual polarization radar measurements with the low and high resolution rain gages, respectively. Striking correlations of the rain rates are present during one rain day. The rain measurement cases examined were limited to only light rain rates (<7 mm/hr).