Potentialities of the Numerical Weather Prediction model WRF to produce attenuation statistics in tropical regions

摘要

This paper presents the use of a Numerical Weather Prediction model (the WRF US model from NCAR/NCEP) coupled with an electromagnetic module to create rain attenuation time series and statistical results in a tropical region. Simulated results are compared with experimental data collected within a CNES/ONERA sponsored propagation experiment near Kourou, in French Guiana. Both simulated and experimental Complementary Cumulative Distribution Functions of rain attenuation (CCDF) are presented in an annual and monthly basis. Finally, a brief granulometric study is detailed to better understand the impact of the rain drop size distribution (DSD) on the obtained results.