Detection and Retrieval of Cirrus Cloud Systems Using AVHRR Data: Verification Based on Fire-II-IFO Composite Measurements

Abstract

We have developed a detection scheme to identify single and multilayer cirrus cloud systems based on the physical properties of the AVHRR Chs, 1-2 reflectances and ratios, the brightness temperature differences between Chs. 4 and 5, and the 4 brightness temperatures. Clear pixels are first separated from cloudy pixels which are then classified into three types: cirrus, cirrus/low cloud, and low cloud. This scheme has been applied to the NOAA satellite data collected over FIRE-II-IFO area, Kansas, during nine overpasses within seven observation dates (November - December 1991). We have validated the detection results against cloudy conditions inferred from the collocated and coincident ground-based lidar and radar images, balloon-borne replicator data, and NCAR-CLASS humidity sounding a case-by-case basis. We show that the satellite detection results are considered with the cloudy conditions inferred from these independent and complementary measurements. We have also modified our retrieval scheme for the determination of cirrus optical depth and ice crystal size in multilayer cirrus cloud systems, case study using FIRE-II-IFO data is reported.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 26, 1995
Accession Number
ADA350759

Entities

People

  • K. N. Liou
  • N. X. Rao
  • S. C. Ou
  • Y. Takano

Organizations

  • University of Utah

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Brightness
  • Cirrus Clouds
  • Clouds
  • Composite Materials
  • Detection
  • Ground Based
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Meteorology
  • Physical Properties
  • Reflectance
  • Remote Sensing
  • Temperature Inversion
  • United States Government
  • Verification

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • Space