Effects of melting layer on Ku-band signal depolarization

Determination of Melting Layer Boundaries and Attenuation Evaluation in Equatorial Malaysia at Ku-Band

“…This transformation subsequently leads to increase in the hydrometeors reflectivity as a result of the differences in the dielectric constants of water and ice; which consequently manifests in the bright-band signature seen in radar measurements [9][10][11][12]. More so, the depolarization effect of the melting layer can be quite significant because of the non-sphericity of the melting ice crystals' shape [13]. Furthermore, the melting layer is a major factor responsible for the problems being encountered in quantification and modelling of earth-to-space microwave signal propagation attenuations, link budget analysis and equipment designs.…”