Evaluation of Multiple Precipitation Sensor Designs for Precipitation Rate and Depth, Drop Size and Velocity Distribution, and Precipitation Type

Abstract Observations of the precipitation rate/depth, drop size distribution, velocity and type are compared from six in situ sensor designs over 12 months to assess their performance provide a benchmark for future design deployment. The considered tipping bucket (TBR), counting (RAL), acoustic (JWD), optical (LPM), single-angle visiometer with capacitor (PWD21), dual-angle (PWS100). Precipitation rates multiple time resolutions study period, while distributions cases at stable rates. To examine type, new index logic algorithm amalgamate consecutive observations consistently is introduced applied. Overall, choice instrument deployment depends on usage. For fast response (less than 15 min), PWD21 TBR should not be used. As rate or duration sample increases, correlation majority other instruments increases. However, underestimates precipitation. RAL, PWS100, JWD within ±15% depth months. All inconsistent ability observe differing There low agreement between estimation. PWS100 rarely report some types, but LPM reports more broadly. Meteorological stations use several redundancy accurately capture characteristics.