Hybrid cloud clearing for EOS and NPOESS

EOS PM and NPOESS both will carry high spectral resolution infrared and microwave sensors that can provide new and improved capabilities of global atmospheric sounding under variety of weather conditions. The infrared component of these polar orbital observing systems cover continuously from shortwave to longwave and has tremendous clouds, surface, aerosol, and trace gases information. In order to sound through semi-transparent cirrus and partially filled cloud field of view, clouds must be accounted for. With the aids of microwave data, a hybrid cloud clearing procedure have developed and demonstrated using simulated global and NWP model data sets for variety of cloudy scenes. Single and multiple cloud clearing performances will be quantified. Optimal use of cloud sensitive radiances and its impacts will be discussed. Expected cloudy sounding performance from EOS and NPOESS measurements will also be shown.