Satellite Cloud Vertical Cross-Section Products and User-Engaged Improvement for Aviation Weather Applications

Information on the three-dimensional cloud structure is invaluable to aviation applications. Satellites have provided useful cloud observations, but assigning cloud base from conventional passive radiometers is still challenging. We have developed a statistical Cloud Base Height (CBH) algorithm constrained by cloud top height and cloud water path using active and passive sensor observations from NASA A-Train satellite data (CloudSat/CALIPSO and Aqua MODIS). The CBH algorithm is now operational as part of the NOAA Enterprise Cloud Algorithms and used to improve Cloud Cover/Layers (CCL) products for both polar and geostationary satellite sensors such as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) program satellites (S-NPP and NOAA-20) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and GOES-16/17 Advanced Baseline Image (ABI).

Supporting the NOAA JPSS Proving Ground and Risk Reduction (PGRR) Aviation Initiative effort to encourage interactions with users and maximize the operational applications of satellite products, we recently started providing VIIRS cloud vertical cross-sections for selected flight routes over Alaska, which are part of a 3-D satellite cloud height field. Satellite cloud phase information and numerical weather model output will be also implemented to provide supplementary information for aviation weather application including icing and turbulence. User-engaged feedback is a critical component for improvement and evaluation of the new satellite products. We continue to obtain feedback from direct users (operational forecasters and general aviation users including pilots) to provide relevant training tools and display capabilities for effective transition from research to operations for these products. This study presents our continuing efforts to improve satellite cloud vertical cross-section products and demonstration based on key user feedback.