Numerical sensitivity analysis of passive EHF and SMMW channels to tropospheric water vapor, clouds, and precipitation

Potential uses of specific extremely high frequency (EHF) and submillimeter-wave (SMMW) channels at 90, 166, 283, 220, 325, 340, and 410 GHz for passive spaceborne remote sensing of the troposphere and lower stratosphere are investigated using an iterative numerical radiative transfer model. Collectively, these channels offer potential for high spatial resolution imaging using diffraction-limited apertures of practical size, along with the ability to profile water vapor, map precipitation beneath optically opaque cloud cover, and to measure nonprecipitating cloud (e.g. cirrus) parameters. A passive airborne imaging instrument for tropospheric meteorological sensing at 90, 150, 183+or-1, 3, 7, 220, and 325+or-1, 3, 9 GHz, called the Millimeter-wave Imaging Radiometer (MIR), is described. >

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