Cloud-clearing for AIRS radiances using MODIS

An algorithm has been developed for the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) cloud-clearing using co-located multi-spectral band Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) clear radiances. Approximately 30% of AIRS cloudy footprints are successfully cloud-cleared with this algorithm according to the study (Li et al. 2005). The current algorithm is under the assumption of one-layer clouds. In order to increase the cloud-clearing yield, a two-layer cloud-clearing approach is under development. The two-layer cloud-clearing is expected to provide more successful cloud-cleared AIRS footprints than the one-layer cloud-clearing procedure. Results of two-layer MODIS/AIRS cloud-clearing will be presented at the conference.