Advanced microwave link processing for rainfall retrieval with GEOsat data

The topic investigates novel methodologies for generating near-real-time rainfall maps, particularly focusing on regions with limited data availability. By synergizing data from geostationary satellites (GEOsat) and ground-based opportunistic sensors – specifically 7 GHz commercial microwave links (CMLs) and satellite microwave links (SMLs) – we aim to improve global access to reliable real-time rainfall data. Key task include: i) Characterizing electromagnetic wave attenuation by hydrometeors along a slant path, emphasizing attenuation within the liquid and melting layers; ii) Evaluating drop size distribution (DSD) and drop velocities from Micro Rain Radar (MRR) datasets, factoring in wind-induced raindrop displacement; iii) Improve CML/SML processing by incorporating into state-of-the–art methods GEOsat observations of cloud-top properties; iv) Developing new DSD and WAA models for SMLs and low-frequency CMLs by leveraging newfound insights into drop size distribution and wet antenna attenuation and synergizing it with information on DSD derived from cloud-top properties observed by GEO satellites. PhD candidate will work in close collaboration with our partners from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Technical University Munich.

The supervisor of the topic is Dr. Vojtěch Bareš.