Which of the following is a reason KDP can calculate more efficient rainfall rates?

KDP, or specific differential phase, is a measurement that relates to the differences in the phase shift of radio waves as they pass through raindrops of different sizes, particularly when considering different polarizations of the radar signal. One of the key advantages of KDP in rainfall rate estimation is its sensitivity to the actual hydrometeor content, meaning it provides a more direct relationship between radar return signals and the quantity of precipitation.

The reason KDP can calculate more efficient rainfall rates lies in its ability to be directly related to the amount of mass that different polarizations encounter as they travel through the atmosphere. This relationship allows for more accurate estimates of rainfall rates since KDP only reflects the phase shift due to hydrometeors and is less affected by other factors that can distort radar return, such as attenuation from the precipitation itself.

Using KDP, meteorologists can obtain more reliable rainfall measurements under various conditions, especially when the rainfall is moderate to heavy and other radar metrics, like reflectivity, may become unreliable due to saturation or other influences. Since KDP accumulates data from various polarizations, it provides a linear relationship to the rainfall rate, enhancing estimation accuracy in comparison to traditional methods that may depend on reflectivity alone.