摘要: This research used a nonlinear algorithm developed by Olson, et al. (1989) toretrieve rainrates from satellite derived microwave brightness temperatures for tropical cyclones over tropical oceanic regions, These derived rainrates ... 展开 This research used a nonlinear algorithm developed by Olson, et al. (1989) toretrieve rainrates from satellite derived microwave brightness temperatures for tropical cyclones over tropical oceanic regions, These derived rainrates were used to determine the total 24 hour rainfall and subsequent, amount of energy generated via latent heat release for eight cases. The results showed good agreement with previous results and indicate that the SSM/I is a useful tool in assessing the total amount of rainfall of a tropical cyclone over oceanic regions. The derived rainrates were used to determine total rainfall, total convective rainfall and total stratiform rainfall. These were correlated with surrounding sea surface temperatures. Results indicate there is only a weak correlation between sea surface temperatures and the convective, stratiform and total rainfall. This supports previous findings regarding the highly complex nature of tropical cyclones and the nonlinearity of the numerous predictors. Stronger correlations were found between the surface temperature variance and rainfall indicating that the temperature contrast may be more important in determining rainfall than the actual temperatures. Significantly stronger relationships were identified between sea surface temperature and storm intensity. Strong correlations were found between SST's surrounding the storm and the future intensity. The most significant relationship was found for the outer regions and the intensity 24-48 hours later which agrees with the 1-2 day lag between convective bursts and intensification. It seems apparent that SST's play a critical role in this process, although the specific mechanism is riot known. 收起