Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Combining Microwave Radiometer and Wind Profiler Radar Measurements for High-Resolution Atmospheric Humidity Profiling

Laura Bianco Centre of Excellence CETEMPS, University of L’Aquila, Coppito, Italy, and Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science, NOAA/Environmental Technology Laboratory, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

Search for other papers by Laura Bianco in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Domenico Cimini Centre of Excellence CETEMPS, University of L’Aquila, Coppito, Italy, and Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science, NOAA/Environmental Technology Laboratory, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

Search for other papers by Domenico Cimini in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Frank S. Marzano Centre of Excellence CETEMPS, University of L’Aquila, Coppito, Italy

Search for other papers by Frank S. Marzano in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Randolph Ware Radiometrics Corporation, and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

Search for other papers by Randolph Ware in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
Print Publication:
01 Jul 2005
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JTECH1771.1
Page(s):
949–965
Restricted access

Abstract

A self-consistent remote sensing physical method to retrieve atmospheric humidity high-resolution profiles by synergetic use of a microwave radiometer profiler (MWRP) and wind profiler radar (WPR) is illustrated. The proposed technique is based on the processing of WPR data for estimating the potential refractivity gradient profiles and their optimal combination with MWRP estimates of potential temperature profiles in order to fully retrieve humidity gradient profiles. The combined algorithm makes use of recent developments in WPR signal processing, computing the zeroth-, first-, and second-order moments of WPR Doppler spectra via a fuzzy logic method, which provides quality control of radar data in the spectral domain. On the other hand, the application of neural network to brightness temperatures, measured by a multichannel MWRP, can provide continuous estimates of tropospheric temperature and humidity profiles. Performance of the combined algorithm in retrieving humidity profiles is compared with simultaneous in situ radiosonde observations (raob’s). The empirical sets of WPR and MWRP data were collected at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program’s Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. Combined microwave radiometer and wind profiler measurements show encouraging results and significantly improve the spatial vertical resolution of atmospheric humidity profiles. Finally, some of the limitations found in the use of this technique and possible future improvements are also discussed.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Laura Bianco, CETEMPS, Universita’ degli Studi de L’Aquila, Dip. Fisica dell’Atmosfera, via Vetoio, 67010, Coppito, L’Aquila, Italy. Email: Laura.Bianco@aquila.infn.it

Abstract

A self-consistent remote sensing physical method to retrieve atmospheric humidity high-resolution profiles by synergetic use of a microwave radiometer profiler (MWRP) and wind profiler radar (WPR) is illustrated. The proposed technique is based on the processing of WPR data for estimating the potential refractivity gradient profiles and their optimal combination with MWRP estimates of potential temperature profiles in order to fully retrieve humidity gradient profiles. The combined algorithm makes use of recent developments in WPR signal processing, computing the zeroth-, first-, and second-order moments of WPR Doppler spectra via a fuzzy logic method, which provides quality control of radar data in the spectral domain. On the other hand, the application of neural network to brightness temperatures, measured by a multichannel MWRP, can provide continuous estimates of tropospheric temperature and humidity profiles. Performance of the combined algorithm in retrieving humidity profiles is compared with simultaneous in situ radiosonde observations (raob’s). The empirical sets of WPR and MWRP data were collected at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program’s Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. Combined microwave radiometer and wind profiler measurements show encouraging results and significantly improve the spatial vertical resolution of atmospheric humidity profiles. Finally, some of the limitations found in the use of this technique and possible future improvements are also discussed.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Laura Bianco, CETEMPS, Universita’ degli Studi de L’Aquila, Dip. Fisica dell’Atmosfera, via Vetoio, 67010, Coppito, L’Aquila, Italy. Email: Laura.Bianco@aquila.infn.it

Save
Cover Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology
Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology

  • Bianco, L., and Wilczak J M. , 2002: Convective boundary layer mixing depth: Improved measurement by Doppler radar wind profiler using fuzzy logic. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 19 , 1745–1758.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bianco, L., Cimini D. , Ware R. , and Marzano F S. , 2003: Combining microwave radiometer and wind profiler radar measurements to improve accuracy and resolution of atmospheric humidity profiling. Proc. Int. Geosci. Remote Sens. Symp. (IGARSS03), Toulouse, France, IEEE.

  • Cimini, D., Westwater E R. , and Lesht B. , 2002: Evaluation of the improvements in humidity sounding by balloon-borne sensors. Proc. of the COST720 Meeting, L’Aquila, Italy, COST. [Available online at http://www.cost720.rl.ac.uk/].

  • Cimini, D., Westwater E R. , Han Y. , and Keihm S J. , 2003: Accuracy of ground-based microwave radiometer and balloon-borne measurements during the WVIOP2000 field experiment. IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sens., 41 , 2605–2615.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cohn, S A., 1995: Radar measurements of turbulent eddy dissipation rate in the troposphere: A comparison of techniques. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 12 , 85–95.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cornman, L B., Goodrich R K. , Morse C S. , and Ecklund W L. , 1998: A fuzzy logic method for improved moment estimation from Doppler spectra. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 15 , 1287–1305.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Furumoto, J., Kurimoto M. , and Tsuda T. , 2003: Continuous observations of humidity profiles with the MU radar-RASS combined with GPS and radiosonde measurements. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 1 , 23–41.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gossard, E E., 1990: Radar research on the atmospheric boundary layer. Radar in Meteorology, D. Atlas, Ed., Amer. Meteor. Soc., 477–527.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gossard, E E., Chadwick R R. , Neff W D. , and Moran K P. , 1982: The use of ground based Doppler radars to measure gradients, fluxes and structure parameters in elevated layers. J. Appl. Meteor., 21 , 211–226.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gossard, E E., Welsh D C. , and Strauch R G. , 1990: Radar-measured height profiles of C2 n and turbulence dissipation rate compared with radiosonde data during October 1989 at Denver. NOAA Tech. Rep. ERL 442-WPL 63, Enviromental Research Laboratories, 115 pp. [Available from NOAA/ERL/ETL Broadway, Boulder, Co, 80305.].

  • Gossard, E E., Strauch R G. , Stankov B B. , and Wolfe D E. , 1995: Measurements of property gradients and turbulence aloft with ground-based Doppler radars. NOAA TM ERL 453-ETL 67, Enviromental Technology Laboratory, 31 pp. [Available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA, 22161.].

  • Gossard, E E., Wolfe D E. , Moran K E. , Paulus R A. , Anderson D K. , and Rogers L T. , 1998: Measurements of clear-air gradients and turbulence properties with radar wind profilers. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 15 , 321–342.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gossard, E E., Gutman S. , Stankov B B. , and Wolf D E. , 1999: Profiles of radiorefractive index and humidity derive from radar wind profilers and the Global Position System. Radio Sci., 34 , 371–383.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Güldner, J., and Spänkuch D. , 2001: Remote sensing of the thermodynamic state of the atmospheric boundary layer by ground-based microwave radiometry. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 18 , 925–933.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Han, Y., and Westwater E R. , 2000: Analysis and improvement of tipping calibration for ground-based microwave radiometers. IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sens., 38 , 1260–1276.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Jordan, J R., Lataitis R J. , and Carter D A. , 1997: Removing ground clutter and intermittent clutter contamination from wind profiler signal using wavelet transforms. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 14 , 1280–1297.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Liljegren, J., 2004: Improved retrievals of temperature and water vapor profiles with a twelve-channel radiometer. Proc. Eighth Symp. on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems for Atmosphere, Oceans and Land Surface, Seattle, WA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 4.7.

  • MacDonald, A., Xie Y. , and Ware R. , 2002: Diagnosis of three-dimensional water vapor using slant observations from a GPS network. Mon. Wea. Rev., 130 , 386–397.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • May, P T., and Strauch R G. , 1989: An examination of wind profiler signal processing algorithms. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 6 , 731–735.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Schroeder, J., and Westwater E R. , 1991: User’s guide to microwave radiative transfer software. NOAA Tech. Memo. ERL WPL-213, 84 pp.

  • Solheim, F., and Godwin J R. , 1998: Passive ground-based remote sensing of atmospheric temperature, water vapor, and cloud liquid water profiles by a frequency synthesized microwave radiometer. Meteor. Zeitschrift, 7 , 370–376.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Solheim, F., Godwin J. , Westwater E. , Han Y. , Keihm S. , Marsh K. , and Ware R. , 1998: Radiometric profiling of temperature, water vapor, and liquid water using various inversion methods. Radio Sci., 33 , 393–404.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stankov, B B., 1998: Multisensor retrieval of atmospheric properties. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 79 , 1835–1854.

  • Stankov, B B., Westwater E R. , and Gossard E E. , 1996: Use of wind profiler estimates of significant moisture gradients to improve humidity profile retrivial. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 13 , 1285–1290.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stankov, B B., Gossard E E. , Weber B L. , Lataitis R J. , White A B. , Wolfe D E. , and Welsh D C. , 2003: Humidity gradient profiles from wind profiling radars using the NOAA/ETL advanced Signal Processing System (SPS). J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 20 , 3–22.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Strauch, R G., Merritt D A. , Moran K P. , Earnshaw K B. , and van de Kamp D. , 1984: The Colorado wind profiling network. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 1 , 37–49.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Turner, D., Lesht B. , Clough A. , Liljegren J. , Revercomb H. , and Tobin D. , 2003: Dry Bias and Variability in Vaisala RS80-H Radiosondes: The ARM Experience. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 20 , 117–132.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ware, R., Solheim F. , Carpenter R. , Gueldner J. , Liljegren J. , Nehrkorn T. , and Vandenberghe F. , 2003: A multi-channel radiometric profiler of temperature, humidity and cloud liquid. Radio Sci., 38 .8079, doi:10.1029/2002RS002856.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Weber, B., Welsh D. , Merrit D. , Wuertz D. , Wolfe D. , and Wilfong T. , 2004: A new paradigm for Doppler radar wind profiler signal processing. NOAA Tech. Memo OAR ETL-306, 233 pp.

  • Westwater, E R., 1993: Ground-based microwave remote sensing of meteorological variables. Atmospheric Remote Sensing by Microwave Radiometry, M. A. Janssen Ed., Wiley, 145–213.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Westwater, E R., Stankov B B. , Cimini D. , Han Y. , Shaw J A. , Lesht B M. , and Long C. , 2003: Radiosonde humidity soundings and microwave radiometers during NAURU99. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 20, 953–971.

    • Crossref
    • Export Citation

  • White, A B., Lataitis R J. , and Lawrence R S. , 1999: Space and time filtering of remotely sensed velocity turbulence. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 16 , 1967–1971.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wilczak, J M., and Coauthors, 1995: Contamination of wind profiler data by migrating birds: Characteristics of corrupted data and potential solutions. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 12 , 449–467.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 478 185 7
PDF Downloads 365 121 9