On cloud altitude determinations from High Resolution Interferometer Sounder (HIS) observations

High Spectral Resolution Interferometer Spectrometer (HIS) data are used with simultaneous airborne lidar data to investigate the accuracy of cloud height determinations using the 'COz slicing method'. It is shown that the accuracy of cirrus cloud heights are greatly improved as the spectral resolution and coverage is increased. Since next generation infrared temperature and moisture sounders will yield high spectral resolution with quasicontinuous spectral coverage, improved cloud height accuracies achieved from these sensors will improve soundings in clouded areas and will also improve our global cloud climatology.