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RADIO SCIENCE, VOL. 43, RS5006, doi:10.1029/2007RS003744, 2008

Simulation of the Stokes vector in inhomogeneous precipitation

Ian Stuart Adams

Remote Sensing Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D. C., USA


Peter Gaiser

Remote Sensing Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D. C., USA


W. Linwood Jones

Central Florida Remote Sensing Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA


Abstract

The large absorption and scattering cross sections of liquid and frozen hydrometeors, respectively, introduce appreciable signatures to measured polarized brightness temperatures, degrading the retrieval of other geophysical parameters such as near-surface ocean winds. In particular, the retrieval of wind direction requires precise knowledge of polarization. This study investigates the fully polarized atmospheric contribution of precipitation and compares these effects with the current sensitivities of passive wind vector retrieval algorithms. A realistic microphysical cloud model supplies atmospheric parameters, including hydrometeor water contents, which are input into a vector radiative transfer model. Scattering is handled using a reverse Monte Carlo method. Radiances are simulated for three frequencies of interest to microwave polarimetry, 10.7, 18.7, and 37.0 GHz, for the four elements of the Stokes vector. The simulations show that the dichroic nature of precipitating media has a significant impact on passive wind vector retrievals.

Received 11 September 2007; accepted 9 July 2008; published 4 October 2008.

Keywords: Stokes vector; radiative transfer; precipitation.

Index Terms: 6969 Radio Science: Remote sensing; 4275 Oceanography: General: Remote sensing and electromagnetic processes (0689, 2487, 3285, 4455, 6934); 6999 Radio Science: General or miscellaneous.

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Citation: Adams, I. S., P. Gaiser, and W. L. Jones (2008), Simulation of the Stokes vector in inhomogeneous precipitation, Radio Sci., 43, RS5006, doi:10.1029/2007RS003744.