Characterization of Maximum Radar Reflectivity Height During Stratiform Rain Events

The effects of rain on terrestrial and satellite communication systems, especially at frequencies above 10 GHz, have been statistically dealt with at length. It is also well known that rain height plays an important role in signal fading and co-channel interference due to scattering. The rain height is directly related to the 0 degrees C isotherm. At this height hydrometeors change from solid to liquid state in the melting layer, increasing their reflectivity and causing the bright band effect in radar measurements. The bright band is defined by the top, bottom and maximum reflectivity heights. The peak reflectivity height can be obtained from radar volume scans. This paper presents a statistical characterization of the time and space variability of the maximum reflectivity height during stratiform rain events. This paper also focuses on the dependence between simultaneous meteorological parameters derived from weather radar and from surface automatic weather observation stations at local scale in a temperate climate region. The data used in this study was obtained from 2006 to 2011.