A MELTING-LAYER MODEL AND ITS USE IN CORRECTING FOR THE BRIGHT BAND IN SINGLE-POLARIZATION RADAR ECHOES

A new dynamic microphysical model of the melting layer is presented, d eveloped from a previous model. This new model is applied to obtain ve rtical reflectivity profiles (VRPs) and vertical attenuation profiles (VAPs) through the melting layer which both allow for and neglect prop agation effects. The model profiles are compared with measured profile s at a range of different frequencies; in particular, a detailed compa rison was made for frequencies in the X-band. The VRPs are used to gen erate relations between bright-band peak-intensity and surface rainfal l-rate, R(0), at frequencies in the S-, C- and X-bands. Relations betw een other model bright-band parameters and R(0) are found to be more c omplicated functions of model-input parameters. The model profiles are also applied to the problem of correcting for the radar bright-band i n the Meteorological Office's radar data. Early results, from three de tailed case studies, seem promising; however, the technique has yet to be tested in an operational environment.