An improved QuikSCAT wind retrieval algorithm and eye locating for typhoon

This paper proposes a rain considered geophysical model function (GMF), to be noted as GMF plus Rain. GMF plus Rain is based on the basic raidative transfer model with attenuation and scattering effects of rain on radar signal considered. Combined with the NSCAT2 GMF and the rain correction model, the GMF plus Rain model is used to retrieve the ocean wind vectors from the collocated QuikSCAT and SSM/I rain rate data for typhoon Melor. The resulting wind speed estimates of typhoon Melor show improved agreement with the wind fields derived from the best track analysis of Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The results imply that compared with the GMF model, the GMF plus Rain model can improve the precision of wind retrieval under the rain condition. Then, a new general algorithm of locating the eye of typhoon through the normalized radar cross section (NRCS) is proposed. The implementation of this algorithm in the ten QuikSCAT observations of typhoon Melor suggests that this algorithm is effective.