Combining radar and microwave radiometer for cloud liquid water retrieval

An algorithm is proposed to combine microwave radiometer and radar for the retrieval of cloud liquid water. The algorithm is based on a radiometer profile algorithm, but modifications are made to allow for the use of radar data. Because liquid water absorption is strongly dependent on temperature, it is important to know the heights of the clouds. The radar provides the algorithm with cloud heights and a liquid water model profile, resulting in an improved retrieval of cloud liquid water. In addition, our modifications enlarge the convergence area of the algorithm.