Negative Backscatter Differential Phases on SHV Radars

Abstract

Most polarimetric weather radars utilize the simultaneous transmission and reception of horizontally and vertically polarized waves (SHV configuration). We show radar data exhibiting negative differential phases upon scattering, which is unusual for generally horizontally oriented Rayleigh scatterers. This effect is explained by considering interference of the backscattered primary and depolarized waves inherent to SHV radars.