Potential biases in remotely sensed cloud properties due to the plane parallel cloud assumption employed in retrieval algorithms

William O'Hirok; Catherine H. Gautier

doi:10.1117/12.373055

8 December 1999 Potential biases in remotely sensed cloud properties due to the plane parallel cloud assumption employed in retrieval algorithms

William O'Hirok, Catherine H. Gautier

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3867, Satellite Remote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere IV; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.373055
Event: Remote Sensing, 1999, Florence, Italy

Abstract

Algorithms developed to estimate cloud optical properties from satellite observations are based on radiative transfer models that assume clouds to be plane-parallel homogeneous entities. In this study, the effect of the plane-parallel assumption on the retrieval of cloud optical thickness and effective particle radius is examined through the use of a three- dimensional (3-D) radiative transfer model. Satellite observed radiances are simulated for 3-D stratus and convective cloud fields. Optical properties are retrieved from these fields and compared to the known inputs. Results show that for the stratus field the plane-parallel assumption is reasonable for most solar and viewing geometries. However, for a combination of a high solar zenith angle and a viewing angle towards the sun the bias becomes significant at high spatial resolutions. In contrast, retrieving cloud properties for the convective cloud at any spatial scale is not possible using the plane- parallel assumption.

Citation Download Citation

William O'Hirok and Catherine H. Gautier "Potential biases in remotely sensed cloud properties due to the plane parallel cloud assumption employed in retrieval algorithms", Proc. SPIE 3867, Satellite Remote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere IV, (8 December 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.373055

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