Vertical observation of snowfall by using the combination of radar and the microwave radiometer

Abstract

Radar is a powerful instrument in meteorology not only for research but for operational use. For quantitative measurements of precipitation, however, further studies need to be done for reducing measurement errors. Satellite microwave radiometer begins to be used for estimation of precipitation not only over sea but over land by using scattering models. To improve the accuracy of estimation, information vertical profile of size distribution of rain and snow derived from radar process should be combined data observed by passive microwave sensors. This study shows the possibility of snowfall observation with the combination of the radar and the microwave radiometer.