Retrieval of total water vapour in the Arctic using microwave humidity sounders
Quantitative retrievals of atmospheric water vapour in the Arctic present numerous challenges because of the particular climate characteristics of this area. Here, we attempt to build upon the work of Melsheimer and Heygster (2008) to retrieve total atmospheric water vapour (TWV) in the Arctic fr...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2018-04-01
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| Series: | Atmospheric Measurement Techniques |
| Online Access: | https://www.atmos-meas-tech.net/11/2067/2018/amt-11-2067-2018.pdf |
| Summary: | Quantitative retrievals of atmospheric water vapour in the Arctic present
numerous challenges because of the particular climate characteristics of
this area. Here, we attempt to build upon the work of Melsheimer and Heygster (2008)
to retrieve total atmospheric water vapour (TWV) in the Arctic from satellite
microwave radiometers. While the above-mentioned algorithm deals primarily
with the ice-covered central Arctic, with this work we aim to extend
the coverage to partially ice-covered and ice-free areas. By using modelled values for
the microwave emissivity of the ice-free sea surface, we develop two
sub-algorithms using different sets of channels that deal solely with open-ocean areas. The new algorithm extends the spatial coverage of the retrieval
throughout the year but especially in the warmer months when higher TWV
values are frequent. The high TWV measurements over both sea-ice and open-water surfaces are, however, connected to larger uncertainties as the
retrieval values are close to the instrument saturation limits.<br><br>This approach allows us to apply the algorithm to regions where previously no
data were available and ensures a more consistent physical analysis of the
satellite measurements by taking into account the contribution of the surface
emissivity to the measured signal. |
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| ISSN: | 1867-1381 1867-8548 |