Comparison of Drop Size Distribution Parameter (D0) and Rain Rate from S-Band Dual-Polarized Ground Radar, TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR), and Combined PR TMI: Two Events from Kwajalein Atoll

The estimation of the drop size distribution parameter [median volume diameter (D-0)] and rain rate (R) from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar (PR) as well as from combined PR TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) algorithms are considered in this study for two TRMM satellite overpasses near the Kwajalein Atoll. An operational dual-polarized S-band radar (KPOL) located in Kwajalein is central as the only TRMM ground validation site for measurement of precipitation over the open ocean. The accuracy of the TRMM PR in retrieving D-0 and R is better for precipitation over the ocean based on a more stable surface reference technique for estimating the path-integrated attenuation. Also, combined PR TMI methods are more accurate over the open ocean because of better knowledge of the surface microwave emissivity. Using Z(h) (horizontal polarized radar reflectivity) and Z(dr) (differential reflectivity) data for the two TRMM overpass events over Kwajalein, Do and R from KPOL arc retrieved. Herein, the main objective is to see if the D-0 retrieved from either PR or the combined PR TMI algorithms are in agreement with KPOL-derived values. Also, the variation of D-0 versus R is compared for convective rain pixels from KPOL, PR, and PR-TMI. It is shown that the PR-TMI optimal estimation scheme does indeed adjust the D-0 in the "correct" direction, on average, from the a priori state if the KPOL data are considered to be the ground truth. This correct adjustment may be considered as evidence of the value added by the TMI brightness temperatures in the combined PR-TMI variational scheme, at least for the two overpass events considered herein.