Precipitation and cloud properties derived from synergetic use of the TRMM sensors

Takahisa Kobayashi; Ahoro Adachi

doi:10.1117/12.693826

5 December 2006 Precipitation and cloud properties derived from synergetic use of the TRMM sensors

Takahisa Kobayashi, Ahoro Adachi

Proceedings Volume 6404, Remote Sensing and Modeling of the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Interactions; 64040D (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.693826
Event: SPIE Asia-Pacific Remote Sensing, 2006, Goa, India

Abstract

Cloud feedbacks are known to be the largest sources of uncertainty in the climate system. The cloud radiative forcing is strongly affected by microphysical properties of clouds which are closely related to precipitation as well as aerosol concentrations. We measured clouds and precipitation by a combined use of a radar and a passive solar/infrared radiometer onboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite and examined how precipitation characteristics are linked to cloud properties. The radar is used to measure precipitation. Optical thickness and effective radius of clouds are estimated from radiances at two wavelengths measured with the radiometer. It is found that the sizes of cloud drops are closely related to precipitation: Cloud drop sizes are smaller for non-precipitating clouds than those for precipitating clouds in which clouds and precipitation coexist. Clouds with large drop size are almost precipitating. The processes that precipitation modifies cloud microphysics, therefore, the radiative properties are critical to evaluate the cloud feedbacks in the global warming prediction.

Citation Download Citation

Takahisa Kobayashi and Ahoro Adachi "Precipitation and cloud properties derived from synergetic use of the TRMM sensors", Proc. SPIE 6404, Remote Sensing and Modeling of the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Interactions, 64040D (5 December 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.693826

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