Polarimetric Signatures from Ice Crystals Observed at 95 GHz in Winter Clouds. Part I: Dependence on Crystal Form

Abstract

Abstract Based on observations made with an airborne 95-GHz polarimetric cloud radar and in situ microphysical probes, the dependence of ZDR and linear depolarization ratio (LDR) values on ice crystal type and radar beam orientation was examined. Distinct ranges of ZDR and LDR values at various radar beam orientations were identified for simple planar and columnar crystals and for melting particles. The results also show that, based on ZDR and LDR values for different beam orientations, dendritic crystals can be distinguished from simpler hexagonal and branched crystals. Polarimetric signatures are almost exclusively associated with unrimed or slightly rimed crystals, therefore the presence of such signatures can help to identify cloud regions where such crystals dominate. The data generally agrees with previously reported results, though some differences are also noted. The observed ZDR and LDR values for simple crystal types are in reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions.