Reliability of X-band Dual-polarization Phased Array Radars Through Comparison with an S-band Dual-polarization Doppler Radar

Based on the observations of a squall line on 11 May 2020 and stratiform precipitation on 6 June 2020 from two X-band dual-polarization phased array weather radars (DP-PAWRs) and an S-band dual-polarization Doppler weather radar (CINRAD/SA-D), the data reliability of DP-PAWR and its ability to detect the fine structures of mesoscale weather systems were assessed. After location matching, the observations of DP-PAWR and CINRAD/SA-D were compared in terms of reflectivity (Z(H)), radial velocity (V), differential reflectivity (Z(DR)), and specific differential phase (K-DP). The results showed that: (1) DP-PAWR has better ability to detect mesoscale weather systems than CINRAD/SA-D; the multi-elevation-angles scanning of the RHI mode enables DP-PAWR to obtain a wider detection range in the vertical direction. (2) DP-PAWR's Z(H) and V structures are acceptable, while its sensitivity is worse than that of CINRAD/SA-D. The Z(H) suffers from attenuation and the Z(H) area distribution is distorted around strong rainfall regions. (3) DP-PAWR's Z(DR) is close to a normal distribution but slightly smaller than that of CINRAD/SA-D. The K-DP products of DP-PAWR have much higher sensitivity, showing a better indication of precipitation. (4) DP-PAWR is capable of revealing a detailed and complete structure of the evolution of the whole storm and the characteristics of particle phase variations during the process of triggering and enhancement of a small cell in the front of a squall line, as well as the merging of the cell with the squall line, which cannot be observed by CINRAD/SA-D. With its fast volume scan feature and dual-polarization detection capability, DP-PAWR shows great potential in further understanding the development and evolution mechanisms of meso-gamma-scale and microscale weather systems.