Improvements in characterizing ARM cloud and radiation fields using satellite data

 
Poster PDF

Authors

Patrick Minnis — NASA - Langley Research Center
J Kirk Ayers — NASA - Langley Research Cntr/Science Systems and Application
Mandana Khaiyer — Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI)
William L. Smith — NASA - Langley Research Center
Fu-Lung Chang — Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Douglas A. Spangenberg — Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Helen Yi — Science Systems and Applications. Inc./NASA - LRC
Rabindra Palikonda — Science Systems and Applications. Inc./NASA - LRC
Christopher Rogers Yost — Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Gang Hong — NASA

Category

Cloud Properties

Description

Cloud and radiation properties derived from satellite data at NASA Langley Research Center provide an essential component of the ARM ensemble of measurements used for characterizing the radiation budget at a variety of scales. With the availability of ARM instruments in new locations, new value-added products (VAP), and new models of cirrus ice crystals, as well as new satellite data, it is possible to develop improved techniques for retrieving cloud properties. These properties include cloud vertical structure, liquid or ice water path, and optical depth. This paper summarizes improvements in the cloud retrievals over the fixed and mobile ARM sites. Multi-layer cloud retrievals have been implemented to analyze GOES-12 and Meteosat data. Cirrus cloud optical depths have been improved with changes in the retrieval code. MODIS data are being analyzed for the North Slope of Alaska. Variable snow-surface albedos are being tested to improve retrievals over snow surfaces. These and other changes are evaluated using other satellite data and comparisons with ARM surface-based measurements and aircraft in situ data. This paper will summarize the changes, potential new products, and assessments of the data quality.