Development of a Global Multilayered Cloud Retrieval System

A more rigorous multilayered cloud retrieval system has been developed to improve the determination of high cloud properties in multilayered clouds. The MCRS attempts a more realistic interpretation of the radiance field than earlier methods because it explicitly resolves the radiative transfer that would produce the observed radiances. A two-layer cloud model was used to simulate multilayered cloud radiative characteristics. Despite the use of a simplified two-layer cloud reflectance parameterization, the MCRS clearly produced a more accurate retrieval of ice water path than simple differencing techniques used in the past. More satellite data and ground observation have to be used to test the MCRS. The MCRS methods are quite appropriate for interpreting the radiances when the high cloud has a relatively large optical depth (tau(sub I) greater than 2). For thinner ice clouds, a more accurate retrieval might be possible using infrared methods. Selection of an ice cloud retrieval and a variety of other issues must be explored before a complete global application of this technique can be implemented. Nevertheless, the initial results look promising.