HR: 1340h
AN: A43B-0077    [Abstracts]
TI: Improved Automated Cloud Classification and Cloud Property Continuity Studies for the Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS)
AU: * Pavolonis, M J
EM: mpav@ssec.wisc.edu
AF: NOAA/NESDIS/ORA, 1225 W. Dayton St., Madison, WI 53706 United States
AU: Heidinger, A K
EM: heidinger@ssec.wisc.edu
AF: NOAA/NESDIS/ORA, 1225 W. Dayton St., Madison, WI 53706 United States
AU: Hutchison, K D
EM: keith.hutchison@ngc.com
AF: The University of Texas at Austin, Center for Space Research and Northrop Grumman Corp., Space Technology, One Space Park, Redondo Beach, CA 90245 United States
AB: A new automated cloud classification algorithm for the Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is presented. The new algorithm, which is part of the Integrated Data Processing System (IDPS), builds upon the heritage Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) operational cloud top phase algorithms, and includes additional classification categories such as multi-layered clouds and cirrus. The new VIIRS algorithm is much more sensitive to optically thin cirrus than the heritage AVHRR algorithm and produces improved results at cloud edges relative to the heritage MODIS algorithm. This paper will highlight the VIIRS cloud classification algorithm enhancements. Further, in order to compare other potential VIIRS cloud algorithms against heritage MODIS and AVHRR algorithms on a global basis, a processing system called the Global Multi-imager Cloud Algorithm Testbed (GMCAT) was developed. GMCAT, which uses MODIS data, provides the capability to simultaneously run several different cloud property algorithms for the same parameter (e.g. cloud mask, cloud type, cloud top temperature, cloud optical depth, particle size). Because of the many spectral channels on the MODIS, data from it can be used to process not only MODIS algorithms, but algorithms designed for other sensors as well (e.g. VIIRS, AVHRR). This approach allows for direct comparison of products and eliminates the effects of varying field-of-views (in space and time) and instrument-related characteristics associated with standard multi-instrument comparisons. These comparison studies are also useful for accessing the characteristics of multi-instrument cloud climatologies, such as a combined AVHRR/MODIS/VIIRS climatology. Some preliminary VIIRS/AVHRR/MODIS comparisons will be shown.
DE: 0300 ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE
DE: 0319 Cloud optics
DE: 0320 Cloud physics and chemistry
DE: 0321 Cloud/radiation interaction
DE: 0370 Volcanic effects (8409)
SC: Atmospheric Sciences [A]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005