An examination of observationally based cloud fraction estimates over the Southern Great Plains from different platforms

Description

1997–2011 observationally based cloud fraction estimates from various different platforms over the Southern Great Plains, U.S., are investigated at multiple temporal and spatial scales. A substantial disagreement is found among different estimates. The statistical significance of the differences between different estimates is tested. The cause of the differences between different estimates is examined. Results from this study suggest that caution is needed when using cloud fraction estimates to evaluate climate models or infer climate variations and highlight the need of improving the accuracy and consistency of various cloud fraction products.