Sub-millimetre wave radiometry for cloud and rain characterization: From simulation to Earth observation mission concept

Different studies and instrument/mission proposals have demonstrated the potential of the passive sub-millimetre–millimetre wave (SMMW) radiometry to provide remote measurements for the characterization of clouds and rain. At these wavelengths radiation received by a satellite over ice clouds is dominantly scattered by the ice particles. Vertically integrated ice and water contents, hydrometeor properties and profiles can then be retrieved from the radiometric observations with the use of multi-frequency retrieval schemes based on inversion databases simulating realistic brightness temperatures from in situ or modeled cloud microphysics profiles. Current technological SMMW developments offer new observational perspectives for the characterization of the atmosphere.