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Precipitation Signatures Observed by EDOP, AMPR and MIR During TRMM-LBADuring the TRMM-LBA (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission - Large-Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia) field campaign of January - February 1999, EDOP (ER-2 Doppler Radar), AMPR (Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer), and MIR (Millimeter-wave Imaging Radiometer) on board the NASA ER-2 aircraft made a number of flights over the same Amazon area for studies of precipitation signatures. It is generally perceived that AMPR, with measurements at the frequencies of 10.7, 19.35, 37.0, and 85 GHz, is not sensitive to precipitation over land; a possible exception is detection through electromagnetic wave scattering at 85 GHz by frozen hydrometeors aloft above the freezing level. Analysis of the combined data sets from these instruments shows that, in the Amazon highly forested areas where the surface emissivity is high and uniform, direct detection of rain by a radiometer at frequencies less than or equal to 37 GHz is possible. The detection of rain is reflected by a depression in brightness temperature, which amounts to as much as 20 K at 19.35 GHz. Measurements at higher frequencies by the MIR help delineate the regions of scattering signatures above the freezing level. Implications of the combined wideband measurements from AMPR and MIR will be discussed.
Document ID
20000107135
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Wang, J. R.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Skofronick-Jackson, G. M.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Hood, R.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Heymsfield, G. M.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Manning, W.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Arnold, James E.
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2000
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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