Polarimetric-radar drop size evaluation for wind speed estimate based on Weber criterion

Abstract

In this paper, the potentials of radar polarimetry to estimate wind speed is presented and discussed. The algorithm for wind speed estimate based on Weber numbers is demonstrated. The algorithm is based on the fact that liquid particles under the influence of wind can be bifurcated under the conditions of critical deformation. Using one the connection between backscattering from liquid hydrometeors and drop sizes in reflecting volume the information about the wind that causes the fission of the drops of particular sizes is extracted. The method of drop size evaluation with polarimetric radar is demonstrated and an algorithm for wind speed estimate on the base of Weber criterion, breakup conditions, and hydrometeors discrimination with similar polarization properties was proposed.