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2B-CWC-RO 008 issue

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Issue:Retrieval failure in regions of high Z (precipitation)

Opened:10/22/07 2:23 pmSubmitted by:Richard Austin
Severity:NORMAL Planned resolution: TBD


Description
The liquid and ice cloud retrievals used in 2B-CWC-RO assume distributions of cloud particles without substantial numbers of larger precipitation particles. The LWC retrieval in particular often fails (does not converge) for profiles containing high radar reflectivities (say, above 0 dBZe); this is most likely due to the presence of precipitation-sized particles, which the retrieval is unable to fit using the assumed distribution of cloud particles. Because the large precipitation particles dominate the radar signal, a more sophisticated retrieval (likely involving additional data streams) will be necessary to retrieve cloud properties in the presence of precipitation. Bits 0 and 1 in RO_CWC_Status indicate the failure of the LWC and IWC retrievals; bit 2 indicates possible precipitation in the profile (radar reflectivity > -15 dBZe).

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