Relation between cloud optical thickness and precipitation derived from space-borne measurements

Kazuhiko Masuda; Takahisa Kobayashi

doi:10.1117/12.804909

8 December 2008 Relation between cloud optical thickness and precipitation derived from space-borne measurements

Kazuhiko Masuda, Takahisa Kobayashi

Proceedings Volume 7152, Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere and Clouds II; 71520N (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.804909
Event: SPIE Asia-Pacific Remote Sensing, 2008, Noumea, New Caledonia

Abstract

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 (τ) and effective radius (r_e) of convective clouds whose top is composed of ice particles were estimated from radiances at two wavelengths measured with the radiometer. Particularly, the sensitivities of retrieved cloud parameters to the assumption of ice crystal shape models (spherical or nonspherical) were examined. Assumption of spherical model results in larger τ comparing with that from nonspherical model. The re retrieved from liquid water spherical model is significantly larger than that with hexagonal columns and ice sphere models. The influence of ice particle shape (hexagonal columns and spheres) on the retrieved re is noted by several microns. The use of nonspherical model is essential for retrieving τ and r_e of convective clouds whose top is composed of ice particles by using visible and near-infrared channels of satellite measurements.

Citation Download Citation

Kazuhiko Masuda and Takahisa Kobayashi "Relation between cloud optical thickness and precipitation derived from space-borne measurements", Proc. SPIE 7152, Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere and Clouds II, 71520N (8 December 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.804909

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