Classification of ice crystals at C-band

Abstract. Clouds consist of water particles (hydrometeors) in different aggregate states. Above the melting layer these hydrometeors are formed mainly as ice crystals and other completely or partly frozen particles.

With measurements from the C-band dual polarimetric radar POLDIRAD (Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany) the backscattered signals of the ice particles in the horizontal/vertical polarisation base were analysed. The focus is lying on the co-polar reflectivities and therefore the differential reflectivity. In the next step a simulation of the backscattered signals deliver the physical ansatz for the creation of an ice crystal class. Finally the comparison of this class with a raindrop classification is shown.