Development of geophysical retrieval algorithms for the MIMR

The feasibility of using spaceborne microwave radiometry to retrieve geophysical parameters is described. The study concentrates on the development of inversion techniques for multichannel spaceborne radiometers, especially the statistical inversion approach. The applications of the planned MIMR (Multi-Frequency Imaging Microwave Radiometer) instrument are discussed. The inversion algorithms used are conventional algorithms for different applications and the statistical inversion approach. Comparisons between results from different inversion algorithms are presented. The statistical inversion approach has been found to give promising parameter retrieval accuracies and has the potential to improve the operational use of passive spaceborne remote sensing. An analysis of the sensitivity of the radiometer apparent temperature to different geophysical parameters and the statistical behavior of the atmospheric transmissivity are presented.