Correlation of slant path ice depolarization events at 28.56 GHz with radar reflectivity structure and the determination of ice depolarization statistics for Wallops Island, Virginia

The results of a depolarization experiment to correlate radar reflectivity measurements with measured cross polarization levels of the Comstar beacon at 28.56 GHz during periods of low copolarization are presented. A data base was also established of the month of year and time of day statistics on the depolarization signals caused by ice along the earth station-satellite path. The spacecraft radio equipment and ground instrumentation are described, and a review of the analytic definition and mechanism of ice formation is provided in terms of cross polarization discrimination (xpd). The xpd is further defined for the cases of a free space residual, total cross polarization (in phase), total cross polarization (out of phase), the in-phase depolarization component, and the out-of-phase depolarization component. Measurement of the radar reflectivity structure suggested a possible alignment caused by the inducing electric field, perhaps by hailstones which were aerodynamically aligned. The results are regarded as useful for communicators encountering cross-talk in systems using orthogonal polarizations to carry separate messages.