Abstract
Consistency between the brightness temperatures observed with a ground-based microwave radiometer and the brightness temperatures computed by forward modeling is important in many different data applications. Using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction-Final Operational Global Analysis (NCEP-FNL) dataset as a reference, the brightness temperature was obtained through the radiation transfer model for forward calculation. The problem of segmented features in long time of observational data from ground-based microwave radiometers (the so-called “jumping problem”) was identified. By analyzing the deviation and correlation between the observational bright temperature data and the forward calculated data under clear sky conditions, a revised scheme is proposed for the bright temperature observational data. Data obtained with a ground-based microwave radiometer in Beijing from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011 around the date of liquid nitrogen calibration show that the correlation between the observed brightness temperatures and the forward computed brightness temperatures is better after correction, especially at 28 and 30 GHz. The “jumping” problem in the observational data for the brightness temperature is eliminated after correction and the time continuity of the observational data and its consistency with the forward calculated data based on the NCEP-FNL dataset are improved. The proposed correction scheme can be used both for real-time data quality control and to improve the accuracy of historical datasets obtained with poorly calibrated microwave radiometers or radiometers working in polluted environments.
Highlights
Ground-based microwave radiometers are commonly used for atmospheric observations [1] and can be operated continuously with a typical temporal resolution of 1 s
Consistency between the brightness temperatures observed with a ground-based microwave radiometer and the brightness temperatures computed by forward modeling is important in many different data applications
Using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction-Final Operational Global Analysis (NCEP-FNL) dataset as a reference, the brightness temperature was obtained through the radiation transfer model for forward calculation
Summary
Ground-based microwave radiometers are commonly used for atmospheric observations [1] and can be operated continuously with a typical temporal resolution of 1 s They can be used to monitor the temperature and humidity profiles of the atmospheric boundary layer [2]-[9], and unique liquid water content profiles [10] [11] [12] [13] and to detect lightning [14]. Corrections to take account of the hardware used and calibration techniques cannot be applied to historical observational data from microwave radiometers and inversion cannot be applied to the temperature and humidity profile. The brightness temperatures observed using a ground-based microwave radiometer and the brightness temperatures simulated using a radiative transfer model must be consistent and reconcilable with each other
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
