Interpretation of weather radar returns from single and distributed scatterers

An analysis of backscattering radar echoes from single and distributed scatterers is illustrated. Ground-based weather radars are briefly described to understand how they measure precipitation. Meteorological targets (such as rain, snow and ice) are described as volume-distributed scatterers by separating them from other scatterers (mountains and man-made targets). A theoretical study follows to explain the relation between the radar equation in meteorology and the single target radar equation. Experimental measurements are then shown in this work: clear air data to validate radar equation for single scatterers and precipitation data to validate radar equation in meteorology. Results are shown using a C-band weather radar located in Rome (Italy) and managed by ISAC CNR. The analysis can be useful for future studies aiming at characterize ground-clutter returns both for classification and calibration purposes. A useful expression of the equivalent radar cross section from the equivalent reflectivity factor is also proposed.