Validation of a 3-D cloud product (UW-CAVP) derived from NASA Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder (AIRS) radiances with MODIS, CALIPSO, and COSMIC GPS satellite data using McIDAS-V version 1.0

The University of Wisconsin-Cloud Amount Vertical Profile (UW-CAVP) is a product currently being developed to provide a three-dimensional view of cloud structure in the atmosphere obtained through passive remote sensing. It uses high spectral resolution infrared data from AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder) on the A-train satellite Aqua and a model temperature profile to create a cloud amount profile for 25 vertical layers from the surface to the tropopause.

As this is a new product, the validity and accuracy of UW-CAVP must undergo thorough testing. McIDAS-V is an interactive imaging tool in the beta development stage from the Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) at UW-Madison. It can be used to visualize, manipulate, and assess various types of data including satellite images, grid data, soundings, and hydra files (the format of the CAVP product).

The purpose of this study is to use McIDAS-V and other supplementary tools to visualize and validate the CAVP product through comparison with collocated MODIS products, CALIPSO lidar cloud retrievals, and NCEP GFS model data. Additionally, we will present model validation against COSMIC GPS radio occultation temperature profiles. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis results will be presented to identify the benefits and limitations of this new three-dimensional cloud product.