Identification of systematic bias in the cross-platform (SMMR and SSM/I) EASE-grid brightness temperature time series

Vertically polarized 18-, 19-, and 37-GHz brightness temperatures from the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) and Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) are examined for the August 2-20, 1987 period, when data from both sensors are available in the Equal-Area Scalable Earth Grid (EASE-Grid) projection. Colocated measurements over terrestrial surfaces of central North America are compared because of a previously observed inconsistency in derived winter season snow water equivalent across the cross-platform passive microwave time series. The results of this comparison show that SSM/I brightness temperatures systematically exceed SMMR measurements, with the magnitude of this difference dependant on overpass time and brightness temperature magnitude. Regression relationships are determined for adjusting EASE-Grid SMMR data to an SSM/I F8 baseline and are compared to the results of a previous study that examined daily averaged data for the polar regions. These results suggest that adjustment factors are not globally applicable; rather the region and application must be considered.