SGP/MWR/B6 - Loss of thermal stabilization

As described in DQR D040819.6 during the month of August in 1994 and 1995 the microwave 
radiometers would lose thermal stabilization on very hot sunny days when the temperature in 
the radiometer enclosure rose above the set point for thermal stabilization (~50 degC). 
The temperatures in July 1996 were hotter than in previous years and the loss of 
stabilization problem occurred before the instrument mentor could make the needed adjustment.

The purpose of this DQR is to identify the time periods for which this problem occurred.  
More specific information about the problem, including how the problem is detected and 
its effect on the reported values of integrated water vapor and integrated cloud liquid 
water are provided in DQR D040819.6.

When the thermal stabilization is lost, the reported precipitable water vapor increases 
and the liquid water path decreases (and becomes SIGNIFICANTLY NEGATIVE (-0.1 mm) on clear 
sky days). The RMS noise level in the data also increases sharply. THESE ANOMALOUS VALUES 
HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE 5-MINUTE AVERAGES.

Do not use data

• 23.8 GHz sky brightness temperature(23tbsky)
• 31.4 GHz sky brightness temperature(31tbsky)
• Averaged total liquid water along LOS path(liq)
• Total water vapor along LOS path(vap)

• Averaged total liquid water along LOS path(liq)
• Mean 23.8 GHz sky brightness temperature(tbsky23)
• Mean 31.4 GHz sky brightness temperature(tbsky31)
• Total water vapor along LOS path(vap)

• (Raw data stream - documentation not supported)

• (Raw data stream - documentation not supported)

• Averaged total liquid water along LOS path(liq)
• 31.4 GHz sky brightness temperature(31tbsky)
• Total water vapor along LOS path(vap)
• 23.8 GHz sky brightness temperature(23tbsky)