Influence of rain gauge integration time on the rain rate statistics used in microwave communications

An investigation into the effect of the integration time T on the rain rate distribution P(R) is presented using a rainfall rate data bank of 49 years recorded at Barcelona (CCIR - Zone L), using a rapid response Jardi rain rate gauge. T extends from 1 to 60 min and P(R) extends to less than 10-3 %. The relation between the various T-distributions P(RT) is presented as well as the values of RT and R1 which give the same probability. The ratio RT/R1 and the potential expression R1 = aRTb are studied. Comparison with recent results from Canada confirms both the numerical value presented and the climatic dependence of the equiprobable ratio RT/R1.