Satellite and Radar Remote Sensing of Tropical Cyclones to Quantify Microphysical and Precipitation Processes

Abstract

Precipitation microphysics in tropical cyclones (TCs) are often poorly represented in numerical simulations, which ultimately affects TC structure, evolution, and prediction. This provides a large incentive to better observe and understand the underlying microphysical processes in TCs in order to improve precipitation forecasts and improve warning operations. Recently, ground-based polarimetric radar observations have been able to capture the evolution and structure of precipitation in landfalling TCs in the United States, revealing numerous microphysical processes through the investigation of vertical profiles of dual-polarization radar variables. While ground radars are a useful tool for quantifying precipitation processes in TCs, they are unable to sample precipitation when TCs are over the open ocean. Therefore when ground radar networks are sparse or non-existent, space-borne radar can provide precipitation retrievals of TCs at snapshots in time. This is particularly useful for monitoring the evolution of precipitation in TCs prior to landfall. Specifically, this dissertation investigates precipitation microphysics in TCs using the NASA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) on a global scale, and is complimented by polarimetric ground radar observations, disdrometer data, and reanalysis data when available.