Modelling raindrop size distribution and Z(R) relations in the Western Mediterranean area

This study shows the results of the modeling of drop size distributions (DSD) observed during a 2-yr study in Barcelona. Thirty-second individual sample collections of drop sizes and velocities were measured with an optical disdrometer and grouped into different classes according to their rain rate....

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Cerro, Carlos, Codina, Bernat, Bech, Joan, Lorente, Jeroni
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:1997
País:España
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de la UB
OAI Identifier:oai:diposit.ub.edu:2445/99189
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/99189
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Mediterrània occidental
Precipitacions (Meteorologia)
Observacions meteorològiques
Western Mediterranean
Precipitations (Meteorology)
Meteorological observations
Descripción
Sumario:This study shows the results of the modeling of drop size distributions (DSD) observed during a 2-yr study in Barcelona. Thirty-second individual sample collections of drop sizes and velocities were measured with an optical disdrometer and grouped into different classes according to their rain rate. Using the moments method, the entire experimental dataset was fitted to three standard distribution functions: exponential, gamma, and lognormal. Relationships were found between rain rate R and other moments of the DSD, such as optical attenuation S, liquid water content W, and reflectivity Z. Although gamma distribution generally reproduced experimental measurements more accurately, the Z(R) relationship, which is particularly relevant in radar meteorology, yielded the best results when calculated from fitted exponential distribution.