Evaluation of the Microphysical Assumptions within GPM-DPR Using Ground-Based Observations of Rain and Snow

Abstract

The Global Precipitation Measurement Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (GPM-DPR) provides an opportunity to investigate hydrometeor properties. Here, an evaluation of the microphysical framework used within the GPM-DPR retrieval was undertaken using ground-based disdrometer measurements in both rain and snow with an emphasis on the evaluation of snowfall retrieval. Disdrometer measurements of rain show support for the two separate prescribed relations within the GPM-DPR algorithm between the precipitation rate (R) and the mass weighted mean diameter ( D m ) with a mean absolute percent error ( M A P E ) on R of 29% and 47% and a mean bias percentage ( M B P ) of − 6% and − 20% for the stratiform and convective relation, respectively. Ground-based disdrometer measurements of snow show higher MAPE and MBP values in the retrieval of R, at 77% and − 52% , respectively, compared to the stratiform rain relation. An investigation using the disdrometer-measured fall velocity and mass in the calculation of R and D m illustrates that the variability found in hydrometeor mass causes a poor correlation between R and D m in snowfall. The results presented here suggest that R − D m retrieval is likely not optimal in snowfall, and other retrieval techniques for R should be explored.