Brightness Temperature Simulation of Observed Precipitation Using a Three-Dimensional Radiative Transfer Model

Abstract

AbstractThis study demonstrates the capabilities of a three-dimensional radiative transfer model coupled to a polarized microwave surface emissivity model. Simulations are performed at 10, 19, and 37 GHz for TMI and WindSat using three-dimensional fields of rain, snow, and graupel derived from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission observations of moderate Tropical Storm Asma in conjunction with atmospheric profiles and surface fields from ECMWF. Simulations are well behaved and compare well with measured brightness temperatures. Comparisons are made between simulations with a wind-roughened surface and simulations assuming a specular surface. This theoretical study, which is supported with WindSat retrievals, shows the frequencies and conditions under which surface emissions may be detected in the presence of rain.