A GPM Ground Validation field campaign in Connecticut collected high-resolution microphysical and radar observations of winter precipitation. This field campaign was unique because there was a wide-ranging suite of instruments capable of observing all phases of precipitation co-located with comparable measurements. The observations provide an opportunity to verify and understand complex winter precipitation events through satellite data, microphysical processes, and numerical model simulations.

Water is a precious resource, and it is essential to monitor and predict the current and future occurrence of precipitation-producing clouds. We investigate the cloud characteristics related to precipitation using several cloud cases in the United Arab Emirates with data from aircraft measurements, satellite observations, and weather radar observations. This study provides scientific support for the development of an applicable framework to examine cloud precipitation processes.

A new technique for the end-to-end calibration of weather radars is introduced. Highly precise artificial radar targets are generated with a radar target simulator and serve as a calibration reference for weather radar observables like reflectivity and Doppler velocity. The system allows to investigate and correct any biases associated with weather radar observations.

Ice clouds play a key role in our climate system due to their strong controls on precipitation and the radiation budget. However, it is difficult to characterize co-existing ice species using radar observations. We present a new method that separates the radar signals of pristine ice embedded in snow aggregates and retrieves their respective abundances and sizes for the first time. The ability to provide their quantitative microphysical properties will open up many research opportunities.

Raindrop size distribution (DSD) information is fundamental in understanding the precipitation microphysics and quantitative precipitation estimation. This study extensively investigates the DSD characteristics during rainy seasons in the Beijing urban area using 5-year DSD observations from a Parsivel² disdrometer. The statistical distributions of DSD parameters are examined and the polarimetric radar rainfall algorithms are derived to support the ongoing development of an X-band radar network.