Marshall-palmer relation

Marshall–Palmer relation

The Z–R relationship developed by J. S. Marshall and W. M. Palmer (1948) consistent with an exponential drop-size distribution.
The relationship is Z = 200R^1.6, where Z (mm⁶ m^-3) is the reflectivity factor and R (mm h^-1) is the rainfall rate. The relationship is sometimes generalized to the form Z = aR^b, where a and b are adjustable parameters.
Marshall, J. S., and W. McK. Palmer, 1948: The distribution of raindrops with size. J. Meteor., 5, 165–166.

A series of operational polar-orbiting meteorological satellites launched by the former Soviet Union since 1969.