Statistical Characteristics of Drop Size Distributions in the Warm Season over the Sea of Japan

Abstract

In this study, we examine the characteristics of drop size distributions (DSDs) in the midlatitude maritime environment of the Sea of Japan. This study is based on two years of observational data collected using a disdrometer installed on Hegura-jima Island, a remote island in the Sea of Japan. The analysis revealed that there are two primary types of DSD regimes over the midlatitude maritime region: “larger drop size type” (D-type) and “larger number density type” (N-type). The D- and N-type regimes are characterized by larger raindrop sizes and a higher number density of raindrops at a given precipitation intensity, respectively. Stratification with reference to the satellite-derived brightness temperature indicates that N-type regime is associated with warm rain processes, whereas D-type precipitation events occur through ice-phase processes. In addition, this study offers a methodology for better comprehending the holistic view of precipitation processes by integrating satellite and ground-based observational data.