Case-study on the use of microwave sensors for cloud detection over Tuscany

The present work empirically deals with the challenging problem of the integration of data obtained from passive and active microwave sources, in order to develop procedures to suitably calibrate and validate satellite-based passive microwave rainfall algorithms by means of multiparameter radar information over midlatitude areas. In particular it addresses the problems due to the time interval between radar and radiometer acquisitions and to the different view geometry of the sensors. A statistical image processing technique is utilised in order to navigate data, reducing effects due to cloud shape change and motion during the time lag. Results show that time lag and geometry differences effects reduction can significantly improve correlation allowing to better investigate the inner cloud structure.