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Cloud-property retrieval using merged HIRS and AVHRR dataA technique is developed that uses a multispectral, multiresolution method to improve the overall retrieval of mid- to high-level cloud properties by combining HIRS sounding channel data with higher spatial resolution AVHRR radiometric data collocated with the HIRS footprint. Cirrus cloud radiative and physical properties are determined using satellite data, surface-based measurements provided by rawinsondes and lidar, and aircraft-based lidar data collected during the First International Satellite Cloud Climatology Program Regional Experiment in Wisconsin during the months of October and November 1986. HIRS cloud-height retrievals are compared to ground-based lidar and aircraft lidar when possible. Retrieved cloud heights are found to have close agreement with lidar for thin cloud, but are higher than lidar for optically thick cloud. The results of the reflectance-emittance relationships derived are compared to theoretical scattering model results for both water-droplet spheres and randomly oriented hexagonal ice crystals. It is found that the assumption of 10-micron water droplets is inadequate to describe the reflectance-emittance relationship for the ice clouds seen here. Use of this assumption would lead to lower cloud heights using the ISCCP approach. The theoretical results show that use of hexagonal ice crystal phase functions could lead to much improved results for cloud retrieval algorithms using a bispectral approach.
Document ID
19920052124
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Baum, Bryan A.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Wielicki, Bruce A.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Minnis, Patrick
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Parker, Lindsay
(Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co. Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Applied Meteorology
Volume: 31
ISSN: 0894-8763
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
92A34748
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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