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An Assessment of Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) Stereo-derived Cloud Top Heights Using Cloud Optical Depths Derived from ARM Data

Marchand, Roger Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Ackerman, Thomas DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Clouds are of tremendous importance to climate because of their direct radiative effects and because of their role in atmospheric dynamics and the hydrological cycle. The value of satellite imagery in monitoring cloud properties on a global basis can hardly be understated. One cloud property that satellites are in an advantageous position to monitor is cloud top height. In this article we provide an assessment of stereoscopically derived cloud top heights produced from the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR). MISR is one of five instruments on board the NASA EOS AM-1 or TERRA satellite, which was launched in December of 1999. This instrument consists of nine pushbroom (or line imaging) cameras, each of which makes high-resolution images (at approximately 275 meters) in four narrow spectral bands located at 443, 555, 670, and 865 nm. These cameras collect data at nine view angles (nadir plus 26.1, 45.6, 60.0, and 70.5 degrees forward and aft of the direction of flight) [Diner et al. 2002]. Cloud top height retrievals are especially important for MISR because the derived height field is used to co-register the measured radiances. That is, the derived height field is needed to determine which radiances in the forward or aft views are coming from the same cloud or surface element observed in the nadir direction. In this poster we will show the results of a comparison between ground-based millimeter-wave cloud radar and lidar measurements of cloud top and MISR stereo-derived cloud top height as a function of cloud optical depth from three ARM sites. The cloud optical depth estimates are made using a combination of retrieval techniques including a radar reflectivity-velocity, radar-microwave radiometer, and lidar-only approaches.

This poster will be displayed at the ARM Science Team Meeting.