Global cloud water distribution derived from special sensor microwave imager/sounder and its comparison with GCM simulation

An SSM/I algorithm is developed for measuring cloud liquid water of raining and non-raining clouds. Cloud ice water corresponding to precipitation sized ice particles is obtained from the SSM/I scattering index which is calibrated against radar-derived ice water content. Smaller ice particles in upper level clouds are detected using scattering index based on SSM/T2 183±3 and 183 ±1 GHz channels which allow for removing water vapor emission. It is shown that SSM/I derived cloud liquid water distribution agrees well with GCM simulations, particularly in tropical latitudes.