Evaluation of Cirrus Cloud Properties Derived from MODIS Data Using Cloud Properties Derived from Ground-Based Observations Collected at the ARM SGP Site

• DOI: 10.1175/jam2193.1
• Publication Date: 2005-03-16T20:21:59Z
• Authors: Gerald G. Mace; Yuying Zhang; Steven Platnick; Michael D. King; Patrick Minnis; Ping Yang
• Keywords: Cirrus; Cloud top; Cloud height; Moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer; Spectroradiometer; Ice cloud; Cloud physics

Abstract The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board the NASA Terra satellite has been collecting global data since March 2000 and one Aqua June 2002. In this paper, cirrus cloud properties derived from ground-based remote sensing are compared with similar MODIS Terra. To improve space–time correlation between observations, a wind profiler used to define advective streamline along which comparisons made. approximately two dozen cases of examined statistical approach comparison that relaxes requirement clouds occur over instruments during overpass instant is explored. includes 168 cloudy overpasses Southern Great Plains (SGP) region 300 h observations. physical radiative layers separately by Atmospheres Team Clouds Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) Science using multiwavelength reflected solar emitted thermal radiation measurements. Using property retrieval algorithms algorithms, positive in effective particle size, optical thickness, ice water path, cloud-top pressure various methods shown, although sometimes there significant biases. Classifying it demonstrated regionally averaged those diagnosed ground. Because conservative toward identifying thin pixels region, area-averaged MOD06 product tend be biased slightly optically thicker pixels. This bias tendency implications for model validation parameterization development applied retrieved SGP-like land surfaces. A persistent also found tops both reporting top several hundred meters less than reported radar. Overall, however, concluded characterize reasonable accuracy region.