Microwave characteristics of organized mesoscale convection over the ocean

Abstract

Fields of AMSR-E brightness temperatures TBs of organized mesoscale convection over the ocean are analyzed together with MODIS visible images, Envisat ASAR images and QuikSCAT-derived wind fields. Cloud liquid water content Q and water vapor content V are estimated for the areas with mesoscale convection and for individual large cells. Models describing distribution of wind speed and direction, water vapor and cloud water in convective rolls, open and closed cells were suggested to simulate TBs and imprints of convective cells on SAR images. Computed passive microwave and radar pattern are in a good agreement with satellite measurements and can be used for retrieval algorithm advancement, estimation of effects of spatial smoothing, etc.