Zhu et al. (2026) Investigation of the Vertical Microphysical Characteristics of Rainfall in Guangzhou Based on Phased-Array Radar

⚠️ Warning: This summary was generated from the abstract only, as the full text was not available.

Identification

• Journal: Remote Sensing
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-01-18
• Authors: Jingxuan Zhu, Jun Zhang, D. S. Ji, Qiang Dai, Changjun Liu
• DOI: 10.3390/rs18020322

Research Groups

Not explicitly stated in the provided text.

Short Summary

This study developed a Rainfall Regression Model (RRM) utilizing X-band phased-array radar to accurately retrieve three-dimensional raindrop size distribution (DSD) parameters, revealing the complex microphysical structure of a typhoon-influenced rain event with large-drop cores extending above 2 kilometers and tilted iso-value contours.

Objective

• To develop and apply a Rainfall Regression Model (RRM) using high-resolution X-band phased-array radar data to accurately retrieve the three parameters of a normalized gamma DSD model (D0, Nw, μ) and resolve the three-dimensional microphysical structure of remnant typhoon precipitation.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Volumetric radar data covering a rain event over Guangzhou, China; horizontal maps and vertical profiles.
• Temporal Scale: A specific rain event on 8 September 2023, influenced by the remnant circulation of Typhoon Haikui.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Rainfall Regression Model (RRM), normalized gamma DSD model, T-matrix scattering simulations.
• Data sources: X-band phased-array radar, collocated disdrometer observations.

Main Results

• Polynomial regressions were built between DSD parameters (D0, Nw, μ) and polarimetric variables using collocated disdrometer observations and T-matrix scattering simulations.
• Validation against independent disdrometer samples yielded Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies of 0.93 for D0 and 0.91 for log10Nw.
• Horizontal maps of DSD parameters revealed that the surface elevation angle consistently exhibited the largest standard deviation for all three parameters.
• Vertical profile analysis showed that large-drop cores (D0 > 2 mm) can reside above 2 kilometers and that iso-value contours tilt rather than align vertically, indicating appreciable horizontal drift of raindrops.
• The study demonstrated the ability of X-band phased-array radar to resolve the three-dimensional microphysical structure of remnant typhoon precipitation.

Contributions

• Advances the understanding of the vertical characteristics of raindrops within complex wind fields, particularly in remnant typhoon precipitation.
• Provides high-resolution DSD information directly ingestible into severe weather monitoring and nowcasting systems.
• Demonstrates the effective exploitation of the underused high-resolution capability of X-band phased-array radar for 3D microphysical structure retrieval.

Funding

Not explicitly stated in the provided text.

Citation

@article{Zhu2026Investigation,
  author = {Zhu, Jingxuan and Zhang, Jun and Ji, D. S. and Dai, Qiang and Liu, Changjun},
  title = {Investigation of the Vertical Microphysical Characteristics of Rainfall in Guangzhou Based on Phased-Array Radar},
  journal = {Remote Sensing},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.3390/rs18020322},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18020322}
}