Cloud Model Studies for the Simulation of Brightness Temperatures

Two cloud water models that can be included in the radiative transfer to simulate brightness temperatures from radiosonde data are analyzed. We first evaluate and optimize the capability of the models to detect correctly the presence of clouds, by comparing the cloud base heights identified from the radiosoundings with those provided by a ceilometer. Then, the performances of the different cloud models are analyzed by comparing simulated brightness temperatures in the absence of scattering with those measured by a dual-channel microwave radiometer.