The table shown above summarizes the key interactions between microwave energy and precipitation sized particles. Associations with uses in the analysis and retrieval of rainfall appear in the last column.

Through the use of ancillary data and radiative transfer model simulations, empirical (statistical) algorithms have been developed for the timely retrieval of various rainfall properties (i.e., rain rate). See the individual product descriptions in the Products & Applications section for more information on specific algorithms, product quality, and limitations.