The comparison between radar‐ and radiometer‐derived rain attenuation for earth‐space links

The object of this paper is to establish the accuracy with which radar reflectivity measurements may be used to determine rain attenuation on earth-space propagation paths. This objective was accomplished by comparison of attenuation calculated from 3 GHz radar reflectivity data from the McGiIl Weather Radar and attenuation calculated by the Communications Research Centre from 13 GHz radiometric temperature data along earth-space propagation paths. It was found that path attenuation may be simulated with good accuracy provided that care is taken with the calibration analysis. This approach then allows the study of attenuation statistics from radar data, greatly expanding the available data base for rain attenuation studies.