Abstract: Quantitative precipitation forecasting is currently limited by the paucity of observations of thermodynamic variables in the troposphere, including water vapor. Specifically, measurements of 3-D water vapor fields are needed at sub-meso-? scales in pre-storm conditions. Scanning measurements using a network of multi-frequency microwave radiometers observing overlapping volumes have the potential to provide improved horizontal and temporal resolution. Tomographic inversion and spatial interpolation techniques will be implemented to retrieve the 3-D structure of the water vapor in the troposphere with fine spatial and temporal resolution. Assimilation of retrieved 3-D water vapor fields with improved spatial coverage into NWP models in pre-storm conditions has the potential for substantial impact on numerical weather prediction of convective storm activity.

Adviser: Dr. Steven C. Reising
Co-Adviser: Not Applicable
Non-ECE Member: Dr. C. Kummerow (Atmos Sci)
Member 3: Dr. V. Chandrasekar
Addional Members: Not Applicable

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