A dual polarization multi-frequency microwave radiometer

The University of Massachusetts (UMASS) Microwave Remote Sensing Laboratory (MIRSL), funded under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has designed and fielded a dual polarization C band microwave radiometer operating at six frequencies from 4.6 to 7.1 GHz. The Simultaneous Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR2) provides continuous radiometric measurements at all six frequencies as well as providing dual polarization capability. The SFMR2 participated in two field campaigns in the summer/fall of 1999. The first experiment was the USDA sponsored Southern Great Plains 1999 soil moisture campaign on board the NCAR C-130. The second was during Hurricane Research/Reconnaissance flights on board the NOAA P3 aircraft. Brightness temperature data as well as wind speed and rain rate estimates derived from SFMR2 data from the hurricane flights are presented.