Validation of GMI Snowfall Observations by Using a Combination of Weather Radar and Surface Measurements

AbstractCurrently, there are several spaceborne microwave instruments suitable for the detection and quantitative estimation of snowfall. To test and improve retrieval snowfall algorithms, ground validation datasets that combine detailed characterization of snowfall microphysics and spatial precipitation measurements are required. To this endpoint, measurements of snow microphysics are combined with large-scale weather radar observations to generate such a dataset. The quantitative snowfall estimates are computed by applying event-specific relations between the equivalent reflectivity factor and snowfall rate to weather radar observations. The relations are derived using retrieved ice particle microphysical properties from observations that were carried out at the University of Helsinki research station in Hyytiala, Finland, which is about 64 km east of the radar. For each event, the uncertainties of the estimate are also determined. The feasibility of using this type of data to validate spaceborne snowfa...

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