Abstract

Although radar polarimetry with multiparameter measurements has become a mature technology in weather applications, there is a need for fast data updates for weather observations and quantification in future. The new phased array radar (PAR) technology has recently been introduced to the weather community and has received great attention. This chapter discusses PAR polarimetry for weather measurements, as well as its challenges and opportunities. A theory of PAR polarimetry is developed to establish the relation between electric fields at the PAR antenna and the fields in a resolution volume filled with hydrometeors. The approaches to correct and avoid bias and error in PAR polarimetry are examined and explored.