Comparison of Cirrus height and optical depth derived from satellite and aircraft measurements

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Monthly Weather Review; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0493(1993)121<2708:COCHAO>2.0.CO;2· OSTI ID:5712209

Kastner, M; Kriebel, K T; Meerkoetter, R; Renger, W; Ruppersberg, G H; Wendling, P ^[1]

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1. Institut fuer Physik der Atmosphaere, Oberpfaffenhofen (Germany)

During the International Cirrus Experiment (ICE'89) simultaneous measurements of cirrus cloud-top height and optical depth by satellite and aircraft have been taken. Data from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) onboard the NOAA polar-orbiting meteorological satellite system have been used together with the algorithm package AVHRR processing scheme over clouds, land and ocean (APOLLO) to derive optical depth. NOAA High-Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) data have been used together with a bispectral technique to derive cloud-top height. Also, the optical depth of some contrails could be estimated. Airborne measurements have been performed simultaneously by using the Airborne Lidar Experiment (ALEX), a backscatter lidar. Comparison of satellite data with airborne data showed agreement of the top heights to about 500 m and of the optical depths to about 30%. These uncertainties are within the limits obtained from error estimates. 34 refs., 8 figs.

• OSTI ID: 5712209
• Journal Information: Monthly Weather Review; (United States), Journal Name: Monthly Weather Review; (United States) Vol. 121:10; ISSN MWREAB; ISSN 0027-0644
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540110*
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MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
METEOROLOGY
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OPTICAL PROPERTIES
OPTICAL RADAR
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
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