Progress Towards MODIS and VIIRS Cloud Fraction Data Record Continuity

Satellite-derived clear-sky vs. cloudy-sky discrimination at the pixel scale is an important input parameter used in many real-time applications.  Cloud fractions, resulting from integrating over time and space, are also critical to the study of recent decadal climate changes.  The NASA NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) has funded a science team to develop and study the ability to make continuous climate records from MODIS (2000-2020) and VIIRS (2012-2030).  The MODAWG project, led by Dr. Steve Platnick of NASA/GSFC, combines elements of the MODIS processing system and the NOAA Algorithm Working Group (AWG) to achieve this goal.  This presentation will focus on the cloud masking aspects of MODAWG, derived primarily from the MODIS cloud mask (MOD35).  Challenges to continuity of cloud detection due to differences in instrument characteristics will be discussed.  Cloud mask results from use of the same (continuity) algorithm will be shown for both MODIS and VIIRS, including comparisons to collocated CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization) cloud data.