During 2000–2009, three microwave temperature profiles (MTP-5H) were used simultaneously in
Moscow region for continuous measurements of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) temperature
profile. One MTP-5H was installed in the center of Moscow city. The second in the north part
of Moscow (Dolgoprudny), and the third about 50 km west ward from the Moscow city center
(Zvenigorod). The relative position of the devices is shown on Figure 1.
Zvenigorod town has little industry, low traffic intensity and due to topography good air ventilation.
So it can be considered as an undisturbed rural site. In Dolgoprudny, radiosond data is
also obtained.
The temperature profiles were obtained “round-the-clock” every 5 minutes up to altitude of
600 m with a 50 meters grid. MTP-5H microwave radiometer is single channel solid state Dicketype
super heterodyne receiver (radiometer). The working frequency is ∼ 60 GHz. The radiometer
has sensitivity of 0.04 k for integration time of 1 second. The antenna is a scalar horn with beamwidth
of about 6◦ and has low response outside the main lobe. The MTP5 is self calibrating angular
scanning single-channel microwave radiometer. The specifications of MTP-5H is shown on Figure 2.