Observational Analysis and Retrieval of Falling Snow- Using Satellite Data at High Microwave Frequencies

In the mid/high latitudes during cold seasons a substantial portion of precipitationfalls in the form of snow. Falling snow has been one of the last greatunkonwns for the hydrological water cycle and radiation budget analyses inclimate and weather researches. Given their extensive spatial and temporalcoverage satellite-based remote sensing methods are uniquely suited forglobal snowfall observations. However in spite of tremendous developmentsin meteological satellite technology over the past several decades developingsatellite remote sensing techniques to provide accurate snowfall estimationsis still very challenging work. The main focus of this work is to develop asnowfall retrieval algorithm based on Bayes' theorem using high frequencymicrowave satellite data. This study also includes analyses of various observationsfrom surface/aircraft field experments and radiative transfer modelingconsidering realistic nonspherical shapes of ice/snow particles which will bevery helpful to improve our knowledge and techniques of satellite remote sesningfor wintertime precipitation measurements. The book is addressed toscientists and researchers in Satellite Meteorology Climate/Weather forecastingand Hydrology.