Cloud image retrieval and characterization using ground-based dual-wavelength radar at millimeter wavelengths

Nivia Colon-Diaz; Sandra L. Cruz-Pol; Stephen M. Sekelsky

doi:10.1117/12.463031

18 April 2003 Cloud image retrieval and characterization using ground-based dual-wavelength radar at millimeter wavelengths

Nivia Colon-Diaz, Sandra L. Cruz-Pol, Stephen M. Sekelsky

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4882, Remote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere VII; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.463031
Event: International Symposium on Remote Sensing, 2002, Crete, Greece

Abstract

Characterization of the microphysical properties of non-precipitating stratus clouds including their suspended-water droplet size distribution and the cloud's liquid water content are estimated in this work. The dual wavelength ratio, DWR, and the differential extinction, DE, were computed at two millimeter frequencies, 33 GHz and 95 GHz, using UMass Cloud Profiling Radar System (CPRS) to estimate the drop size distribution. Data from radiosonde observations (Raob) is used as input in a recently calibrated model for estimation of the gaseous attenuation at K_a.-band and Liebe's model at W-band. Integrated specific humidity from a radiometer is used to constrain the radiosonde specific humidity. The radar reflectivity is corrected to take into account the effect of the wind speed, the difference of beamwidth at both frequencies and the difference in sampled range cells. Radar reflectivity and ancillary data are combined to obtain the differential extinction and the estimated cloud's liquid water density. Profiles of the processed data, such as DE, the DWR and the cloud's liquid water density are presented. Cloud's water density and radar reflectivity were used for the size distribution estimation of the suspended water droplets and the median drop diameter.

Citation Download Citation

Nivia Colon-Diaz, Sandra L. Cruz-Pol, and Stephen M. Sekelsky "Cloud image retrieval and characterization using ground-based dual-wavelength radar at millimeter wavelengths", Proc. SPIE 4882, Remote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere VII, (18 April 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.463031

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available