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Algorithms for the retrieval of rainfall from passive microwave measurements

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 16:58 authored by T Wilheit, Dominic KnivetonDominic Kniveton, et al
The retrieval of rainfall intensity from radiances measured by spaceborne microwave radiometers can be understood in terms of well established physics. At frequencies below about 40 GHz over an ocean background the relationship between the rainfall and the observations is particularly well understood. In this part of the spectrum, the radiances are principally determined by the liquid hydrometeors with only a modest amount of ambiguity. In very intense convection, ice aloft may increase this ambiguity somewhat. At high frequencies, such as the 85.5 GHz channel of the SSM/I, scattering by the frozen hydrometeors becomes more significant and quantitative rainfall retrieval becomes more problematic. In spite of the ambiguities, the use of the higher frequencies is desirable on a number of counts including: applicability over land, spatial resolution and dynamic range. A total of 16 algorithms were submitted for the PIP-1. These include algorithms that are based on high frequency (scattering) measurements and low frequency (emission) measurements with a few combinations and variations on these themes. The calibration of the algorithms varies from mostly empirical to essentially first principles with most falling somewhere in-between. All of the algorithms retrieved rainfall and one also retrieved a profile of the liquid and frozen hydrometeors.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Remote Sensing Reviews

ISSN

0275-7257

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Issue

1-4

Volume

11

Page range

163-194

Department affiliated with

  • Geography Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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