What Is KDP?
A dual-polarization radar product that is especially good at spotting very heavy rain, even when hail is mixed in. In technical terms: Specific differential phase: the range derivative of differential phase, in degrees per km (one-way), proportional to liquid water content and oblateness of drops, immune to calibration and partial beam blockage; values over 2-3 degrees/km indicate heavy rain, and it is used in R(KDP) rainfall estimators.
Also called: Specific Differential Phase
KDP In Plain English
A dual-polarization radar product that is especially good at spotting very heavy rain, even when hail is mixed in.
The Technical Definition
Specific differential phase: the range derivative of differential phase, in degrees per km (one-way), proportional to liquid water content and oblateness of drops, immune to calibration and partial beam blockage; values over 2-3 degrees/km indicate heavy rain, and it is used in R(KDP) rainfall estimators.
