BEAMWIDTH EFFECTS ON THE DIFFERENTIAL PHASE MEASUREMENTS OF RAIN

Effects of beamfilling nonuniformities on the differential phase and r ainfall estimation that use specific differential phase are examined. Two physical models are considered: an isolated rain cell with azimuth al dimensions comparable to the beamwidth and a sharp, rain boundary a pproximating a squall line. The model results are compared to observat ions. An extension of the analysis to include observations of the melt ing layer is made. From this analysis emerges an interpretation of the radial profile of differential phase that varies from previous explan ations. The current interpretation might be favored due to its simplic ity and reliance on accepted physical properties of the melting layer.