Attenuation and differential attenuation correction of C-band radar observations using a fully self-consistent methodology

A new methodology for correcting the reflectivity factor and differential reflectivity at C-band for rain attenuation is presented. Following a methodology already proposed for X-band, new algorithms are developed based on a full self-consistency condition, describing the interrelation between polarimetric measurements and attenuation along the rain medium. The performance of the algorithms for application to C-band dual-polarization radars is evaluated extensively using radar data collected by the Polar 55C in the Rome region (Italy). Quantitative evaluation of attenuation and differential attenuation estimates is conducted based on C-band dual-polarization observations generated from S-band radar measurements. Evaluation of the new full self-consistency algorithms shows a significant improvement in performance. A key result of this iterative technique is the capability to remove any systematic bias from attenuation and differential attenuation estimates that could arise from drop size distribution variability.