Observations of Thermal and Precipitation Structure in a Tropical Cyclone by Means of Passive Microwave Imagery near 118GHz

TitleObservations of Thermal and Precipitation Structure in a Tropical Cyclone by Means of Passive Microwave Imagery near 118GHz
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1996
AuthorsSchwartz, M. J., J. W. Barrett, P. Fieguth, P. Rosenkranz, M. S. Spina, and D. H. Staelin
JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology
Pagination671 - 678
Abstract

An imaging microwave radiometer with eight double-sideband channels centered on the l18-GHz oxygen resonance was flown on a high-altitude aircraft over a tropical cyclone in the Coral Sea. The measurements clearly resolved an eyewall of strong convection and a warm core within the eye. Brightness temperatures observed within the eye were approximately 10 K warmer than those observed in clear air 100 kIn or more away. This warming extended somewhat beyond the eyewall in the highest (most opaque) channel. The temperature profile in the eye, central pressure, and convective cell-top altitudes are inferred from the data.