P1.8
Cloud model evaluation using radiometric measurements from the NASA Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR)
Mikhail Ovtchinnikov, PNNL, Richland, WA
Cloud models are becoming a tool of choice for generating synthetic datasets that can be used as proxies for real data. Model-generated cloud fields are often used to test retrieval algorithms for ground-based and satellite remote sensors. However, the ability of these models to reproduce cloud structure and variability observed in nature is yet to be quantified. We test such ability in a case study of low-level clouds from the Earth Observing System (EOS) validation program conducted on March 3, 2000 in north central Oklahoma. During that day, observations from the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) flown on the Terra platform are complimented by continuous ground-based observations from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program, in-cloud aircraft observations, as well as high spatial resolution measurements from airborne version of the MISR, flown on the high altitude NASA ER-2 aircraft.
In this study, a 3D radiative transfer model is applied to synthetic cloud properties generated by a high-resolution three-dimensional cloud model in order to simulate the top of atmosphere radiances, which are then compared with observations. A series of tests is conducted to reveal the sensitivity of the modeled radiance distributions to the model domain size, resolution, and treatment of cloud microphysics.
Poster Session 1, Retrievals and Cloud Products
Monday, 30 January 2006, 2:30 PM-2:30 PM, Exhibit Hall A2
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