Multitechnique Rain Classification From Ground-Based Measurements Over a Tropical Location

This article aims to classify precipitation into two categories, namely stratiform and convective. Multiple techniques, such as utilizing the micro rain radar (MRR), electric field monitor (EFM), radiometer, and disdrometer measurements, have been deployed for this purpose, at a tropical location Kolkata, India. A new rain classification technique, using logistic regression modeling of the sixth to third moment ratio (M6/M3), has been proposed. Classification of rain types based on the new technique shows high consistency with that based on radar reflectivity (Z) values obtained from disdrometer measurements. This article also distinguishes mixed rain from stratiform and convective rain. The observations on the bright band structure by MRR and on differential brightness temperature at 31.4 and 22.23 GHz by a radiometer are utilized to classify mixed rain types. Although the EFM measurements do not classify rain types directly, they give a distinct signature of the impending stratiform/convective rain events. A comparative analysis between the percentage of stratiform and convective rain durations shows significant dominance of stratiform rain over convective rain. At the present location, the convective phenomenon shows higher occurrences during the pre-monsoon period compared to the monsoon period.