Sensitivity of space-based precipitation measurements to changes in mesoscale features

Recently, there has been increased interest in measuring mesoscale precipitation variation through surface and space-based remote sensing platforms. Of particular interest to this study is the measurement of mixed orographic and synoptically forced precipitation. During January 7th-11th, 2005 a very intense synoptic storm, which was heavily influenced by orography, impacted central and southern California. Over the course of the event more than 30 inches of precipitation was recorded in various locations. The University of Wisconsin Non-Hydrostatic Modeling System (UW-NMS) is used in this study to simulate the event.

We have recently proposed that retrieval algorithms be based on a comprehensive global data base that relates precipitation structures, dynamics and the radiance signatures that are viewed from space. We have hypothesized that topographical slope and elevation are parameters that strongly impact the radiative signature of these storms. In this paper we investigate how changes in topography, such as slope and height, sea surface temperatures, and model resolution (affecting the degree of simulated mesoscale variability) change the brightness temperature structure and radar reflectivity that would occur with this type of precipitation event.