A disdrometer analyses precipitation drops individually using laser or acoustic impact. It records the diameter (0.1–8 mm) and fall speed of each particle, generating a drop size distribution (DSD) spectrum essential for calibrating weather radars.
Applications
It automatically distinguishes rain, drizzle, snow, hail, and graupel. New-generation optical disdrometers (Parsivel, Thies types) are compact and integrate into automatic stations.