Accuracy assessment of ground-based microwave radiometer in the Mount Qomolangma region

Abstract

Mount Qomolangma, known as the “Roof of the World,” holds significant importance in exploring the vertical characteristics of the atmosphere, providing insights into high-altitude atmospheric features, and improving numerical models for forecasting downstream regions. Ground-based microwave radiometers (GWR) enable continuous profiling of atmospheric conditions in the troposphere, complementing radiosonde and satellite observations. This study explores the performance of the MWP967KV GWR installed at Qomolangma Base Camp by comparison with concurrent radiosonde measurements. The assessment covers GWR's atmospheric radiative brightness temperatures (Tb) detection capability, accuracy of atmospheric parameter retrievals, and uncertainties in atmospheric parameters under different weather conditions. Using MonoRTM to calculate simulated Tb from radiosonde, the results indicate a high precision of GWR's Tb observations, showing a strong correlation (R ≈ 0.99) and a deviation of merely 2.4 K compared to simulated Tb. Moreover, GWR exhibits high reliability in temperature (R ≈ 0.98) and water vapor density (ρv) (R ≈ 0.91) observations, while the accuracy of relative humidity (RH) measurements requires improvement (R ≈ 0.55). The GWR observations are affected by clouds, precipitation, and surrounding Qomolangma mountain ridges, leading to significant uncertainties in atmospheric parameter retrievals between 2000 m to 6000 m above ground level. Additionally, GWR's sensitivity to temperature variations is limited, resulting in missed detections of temperature inversion. Despite these limitations, this study offers crucial insights into meteorological observations at high altitudes using GWR. These findings hold substantial implications for meteorological research and mountaineering activities in high-altitude regions.