WindSat atmospheric retrievals

Summary form only given. This paper concentrates predominantly on the atmospheric component of the Windsat forward model. This includes two separate but related algorithms. We have developed a complete radiative transfer model that calculates the upward and downward atmospheric radiation, including attenuation effects due to clear air (both resonant and continuum absorption by water vapor and molecular oxygen) and non-precipitating clouds. From this full forward model a computationally efficient one-layer parameterized model has been developed for use in the physically based Windsat retrieval algorithm. Rain rate retrievals over the ocean traditionally utilize higher frequency brightness temperature. This paper also addresses the feasibility of resolving precipitation using existing data from WindSat linearly polarized and polarimetric channels. A performance assessment of forward models which utilize surface and atmospheric models, NWP model data assimilation profiles, and environmental measurements from other satellites, by comparison with WindSat measurements, is presented.