Validation of the Cloud Dynamics and Radiation Database (CDRD) precipitation retrieval algorithm using Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) radar-radiometer observations over the Mediterranean area

Physically-based approaches for precipitation retrieval from space-borne passive microwave (MW) radiometers are based on the use of Cloud Radiation Databases (CRD's) within a Bayesian inversion scheme. Within EUMETSAT's Satellite Application Facility on support to Operational Hydrology and Water Management (H-SAF), we have developed a large CRD database optimized for the European area. This consists of the outputs of the numerical simulations of 60 precipitating events that have been performed by means of the University of Wisconsin - Nonhydrostatic Modeling System (UW-NMS), and of the associated upwelling brightness temperatures (TB's) that would be measured by satellite-borne microwave radiometers, which have been simulated by means of an appropriate radiative transfer scheme.