This thesis presents an analysis of the internal structure of storm systems passing through Blacksburg, Virginia, between November 1985 and October 1986. An S-band dual polarized radar located at the Virginia Tech Satellite Tracking Station scanned two different sites and collected atmospheric backscattering information. This information was processed by computers at the ground station and converted into reflectivity (Z) and differential reflectivity (ZDR) range height indicators (RHI). The range height indicators show the two dimensional rain intensity distribution of the storms.

The linear extent of storms crossing the radio path from the radar to the Intelsat V Satellite were examined. The path lengths and heights of the storms were collected and tabulated. Histograms and exceedance plots for these lengths and heights are included. The storm rain path length is also compared to the link attenuation.