2DVD

Disdrometers provide a measure of the precipitation size distribution at the surface. These observations offer an important constraint on the retrieval of precipitation properties from remote sensors and help to gain insights into variability in precipitation observations. The network will be established to resolve/measure variations in rain rate type, intensity, and size distributions (e.g., D0) on scales 1–5 km (order of the GPM footprint) within an area of ~25 km2.

Operating on commercial power and network connections, five third generation 2DVDs provide  anchor points for assuring overall calibration of the entire array as well as a reference for calibrating the NPOL and D3R radars. The 2DVDs will provide measurements of particle size and concentration for particles of 0.3–8 mm in diameter (bin resolution of 0.25 mm), axis ratio distribution, and fall-velocity information.