Comparison of C-band observations using different polarization schemes

It is important to assess which is the best polarization scheme to use when employing polarization diversity before implementing any particular radar systems. Although it is clear that if only the co-polar reflectivity is being measured, circular polarization should not be used because of co-polar attenuation caused by depolarization. While the use of linear horizontal/vertical (H/V) and circular polarization schemes may be equivalent in theory, this is not necessarily the case in practice. Data collected under H/V, Slant, and circular polarizations are compared, and the value of using polarization diversity when using C-band radars is demonstrated.