Modeling of inhomogeneous surface properties for the advanced technology microwave sounder

The low frequency channels of the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder have a nadir resolution of 79 km increasing to 363x151 km at edge of scan. Modern numerical weather prediction models are exceeding this resolution. Ancillary databases, such as digital elevation maps are available with a resolution of a few meters. This paper presents a method of using the measured antenna pattern of the ATMS in conjunction with a digital elevation model to perform radiative transfer over coastlines and other inhomogeneous terrain.