The Application of Extensive Measured Data on Scattering by Single Hydrometeors to Studies of Microwave Propagation and Remote Sensing

The results of new extensive measurements on the scattering properties of many simulated hydrometeors are described. These experimental data, principally for extinction cross-section (^σext) apply to particles having a range of sizes, shapes, and ice/water compositions and have been recorded over the frequency interval 8-12 GHz and for two orthogonal-field polarisations. Three situations are described where the results provide fundamental information and where comparison with theoretical work is possible, namely: (a) the detailed behaviour of scattering by quasi-spherical ice spheres when covered by a thin melted water layer and with partial melting of the core (typified by the bright-band effect in radar), (b) the study of differential scattering for orthogonal polarisations of melting non-spherical particles (of use in remote sensing) and (c) the frequency dependence of the observed enhancement of scattering from wet ice particles (the bright-band effect).