scholarly journals Investigation of GOSAT TANSO-CAI Cloud Screening Ability through an Intersatellite Comparison

2011 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 1571-1586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haruma Ishida ◽  
Takashi Y. Nakjima ◽  
Tatsuya Yokota ◽  
Nobuyuki Kikuchi ◽  
Hiroshi Watanabe

AbstractIn this work, the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) Thermal and Near-infrared Sensor for Carbon Observation–Cloud and Aerosol Imager (TANSO-CAI) cloud screening results, which are necessary for the retrieval of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) gas amounts from GOSAT TANSO–Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) observations, are compared with results from Aqua/Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in four seasons. A large number of pixels, acquired from both satellites with nearly coincident locations and times, are extracted for statistical comparisons. The same cloud screening algorithm was applied to both satellite datasets to focus on the performance of the individual satellite sensors, without concern for differences in algorithms. The comparisons suggest that CAI is capable of discriminating between clear and cloudy areas over water without sun glint and also may be capable of identifying thin cirrus clouds, which are generally difficult to detect without thermal infrared or near-infrared bands. On the other hand, cloud screening over land by CAI resulted in greater cloudy discrimination than that by MODIS, whereas detection of thin cirrus clouds tended to be more difficult over land than water, resulting in incorrect identification of thin cirrus as clear. The amount of missed thin cirrus had a seasonal variation, with the maximum occurring in summer. The cloudy tendency of CAI over half vegetation is caused by lack of an effective threshold test that can be applied to MODIS. The statistical results of the comparison clarified the important points to consider when using the results of CAI cloud screening.

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 1791-1801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Shi ◽  
J. Zhang ◽  
J. S. Reid ◽  
B. Liu ◽  
E. J. Hyer

Abstract. Using Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based cloud screening methods, the impacts of cloud contamination on the Terra Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) aerosol optical depth (AOD) product are evaluated. Based on one year of collocated MISR and MODIS data, this study suggests that cloud contamination exists in both over-water and over-land MISR AOD data, with heavier cloud contamination occurring over the high latitude southern hemispheric oceans. On average globally, this study shows that thin cirrus cloud contamination introduces a possible ~ 0.01 high bias for the over-water MISR AOD retrievals. Over the mid- to high-latitude oceans and Southeast Asia, this number increases to 0.015–0.02. However, biases much larger than this mean value are found in individual retrievals, especially in retrievals that are near cloud edges. This study suggests that cloud-clearing methods using observations from MISR alone, which has only visible and near-infrared channels, may not be sufficient for all scenarios. Measurements from MODIS can be applied to assist cloud-clearing of the MISR aerosol retrievals. Cloud screening algorithms based on multi-sensor approaches are feasible and should be considered for current and future satellite aerosol studies.


2010 ◽  
Vol 49 (11) ◽  
pp. 2334-2347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J. Cooper ◽  
Timothy J. Garrett

Abstract There is currently significant uncertainty about the extent to which cirrus clouds are composed of “small” ice crystals smaller than about 20-μm effective radius. This is due in part to concerns that in situ measurements from aircraft are plagued by ice particle shattering on instrument inlets, artificially negatively biasing effective radii. Here, space-based measurements are applied to the problem. It is found that a space-based infrared split-window technique is less sensitive but more accurate than a visible-near-infrared technique for confident assessment of whether thin cirrus clouds have small effective radii, independent of a normal range of retrieval assumptions. Because of the sensitivities of the infrared split-window technique, however, this method can only accurately determine the presence of small particles for ice clouds with optical depths between roughly 0.5 and 3.0. Applied to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, it is found that a very conservative minimum of 15%–20% of such thin cirrus globally are composed of small ice crystals, but that the actual value could be as high as 40%, and even higher for cold clouds or those in the tropics. Retrievals are found to be in good agreement with airborne probe measurements from the Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers–Florida-Area Cirrus Experiment (CRYSTAL-FACE) field campaign, implying that, for the cases examined, the impact of inlet shattering on measurements must have been limited.


2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 10057-10079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Shi ◽  
J. Zhang ◽  
J. S. Reid ◽  
B. Liu ◽  
E. J. Hyer

Abstract. For the first time, using the Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based cloud screening methods, we have evaluated the impacts of cloud contamination on the Terra Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) aerosol optical depth (AOD) product. Our study, based on one year of collocated MISR and MODIS data, suggests that cloud contamination exists in both over-water and over-land MISR AOD data with heavier cloud contamination occurring over the high latitude Southern hemispheric oceans. On average globally, our study shows that thin cirrus cloud contamination introduces a possible ~0.01 high bias for the over-water MISR AOD retrievals. Over the mid to high latitude oceans and Southeast Asia, this number increases to 0.015–0.02. However, biases much larger than this mean value are found in individual retrievals. This study suggests that cloud-clearing methods using observations from MISR alone, which has only visible and near infrared channels, may not be sufficient. Measurements from MODIS can be applied to assist cloud-clearing of the MISR aerosol retrievals. Cloud screening algorithms based on multi-sensor approaches are feasible and should be considered for current and future satellite aerosol studies.


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 2521-2554 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Limbacher ◽  
R. A. Kahn

Abstract. We diagnose the potential causes for the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer's (MISR) persistent high aerosol optical depth (AOD) bias at low AOD with the aid of coincident MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery from NASA's Terra satellite. Internal reflections within the MISR instrument are responsible for a large portion of the high AOD bias in high-contrast scenes, which are especially common as broken-cloud situations over ocean. Discrepancies between MODIS and MISR nadir-viewing near-infrared (NIR) images are used to optimize nine parameters, along with a background reflectance modulation term (that was modeled separately), to represent the observed features. Independent, surface-based AOD measurements from the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) and the Marine Aerosol Network (MAN) are compared with MISR Research Algorithm (RA) AOD retrievals for 1118 coincidences to validate the corrections when applied to the nadir and off-nadir cameras. Additionally, the calibration coefficients for the red and NIR channels used for MISR over-water aerosol retrievals were reassessed with the RA to be consistent on a camera-by-camera basis. With these corrections, plus the baseline RA corrections applied (except enhanced cloud screening), the median AOD bias in the mid-visible (green) band decreases from 0.010 to 0.002, the RMSE decreases by ~ 10%, and the slope and correlation of the MISR vs. sun photometer Ångström Exponent improves. For AOD558 nm < 0.10 and with additional cloud screening, the median bias for the RA-retrieved AOD in the green band decreases from 0.011 to 0.003, compared to ~ 0.023 for the Standard Algorithm (SA). RMSE decreases by ~ 20% compared to the baseline (uncorrected) RA and by 17–53% compared to the SA. After all corrections and cloud screening are implemented, for AOD558 nm < 0.10, which includes about half the validation data, 68% absolute AOD errors for the RA have dropped to < 0.02 (~ 0.018).


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 2011
Author(s):  
Hiroki Mizuochi ◽  
Satoshi Tsuchida ◽  
Kenta Obata ◽  
Hirokazu Yamamoto ◽  
Satoru Yamamoto

Recently, the growing number of hyperspectral satellite sensors have increased the demand for a flexible and robust approach to their calibration. This paper proposes an operational method for the simultaneous correction of inter-sensor and inter-band biases in hyperspectral sensors via the soil line concept for spectral band adjustment. Earth Observing-1 Hyperion was selected as an example, with the Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) as a reference. The results over the Railroad Valley Playa calibration site indicated that the discrepancy in the analogous bands between Hyperion and MODIS during 2001–2008 was approximately 4–6% and 7–9% of the root-mean-square error in the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance at the visible and near-infrared region and shortwave infrared region, respectively. For all Hyperion bands, the relative cross-calibration coefficients during this period were calculated (typically ranging from 0.9 to 1.1) to correct the Hyperion TOA radiance to be consistent with the MODIS and the other Hyperion bands. The application of the proposed approach could allow for more flexible cross-calibration of irregular-orbit sensors aboard the International Space Station.


2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (11) ◽  
pp. 2529-2546 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Zhuge ◽  
X. Zou

AbstractAssimilation of infrared channel radiances from geostationary imagers requires an algorithm that can separate cloudy radiances from clear-sky ones. An infrared-only cloud mask (CM) algorithm has been developed using the Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) radiance observations. It consists of a new CM test for optically thin clouds, two modified Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) CM tests, and seven other ABI CM tests. These 10 CM tests are used to generate composite CMs for AHI data, which are validated by using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) CMs. It is shown that the probability of correct typing (PCT) of the new CM algorithm over ocean and over land is 89.73% and 90.30%, respectively and that the corresponding leakage rates (LR) are 6.11% and 4.21%, respectively. The new infrared-only CM algorithm achieves a higher PCT and a lower false-alarm rate (FAR) over ocean than does the Clouds from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Extended System (CLAVR-x), which uses not only the infrared channels but also visible and near-infrared channels. A slightly higher FAR of 7.92% and LR of 6.18% occurred over land during daytime. This result requires further investigation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 2485-2500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Garnier ◽  
Thierry Trémas ◽  
Jacques Pelon ◽  
Kam-Pui Lee ◽  
Delphine Nobileau ◽  
...  

Abstract. Version 2 of the Level 1b calibrated radiances of the Imaging Infrared Radiometer (IIR) on board the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite has been released recently. This new version incorporates corrections of small but systematic seasonal calibration biases previously revealed in Version 1 data products mostly north of 30∘ N. These biases – of different amplitudes in the three IIR channels 8.65 µm (IIR1), 10.6 µm (IIR2), and 12.05 µm (IIR3) – were made apparent by a striping effect in images of IIR inter-channel brightness temperature differences (BTDs) and through seasonal warm biases of nighttime IIR brightness temperatures in the 30–60∘ N latitude range. The latter were highlighted through observed and simulated comparisons with similar channels of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board the Aqua spacecraft. To characterize the calibration biases affecting Version 1 data, a semi-empirical approach is developed, which is based on the in-depth analysis of the IIR internal calibration procedure in conjunction with observations such as statistical comparisons with similar MODIS/Aqua channels. Two types of calibration biases are revealed: an equalization bias affecting part of the individual IIR images and a global bias affecting the radiometric level of each image. These biases are observed only when the temperature of the instrument increases, and they are found to be functions of elapsed time since night-to-day transition, regardless of the season. Correction coefficients of Version 1 radiances could thus be defined and implemented in the Version 2 code. As a result, the striping effect seen in Version 1 is significantly attenuated in Version 2. Systematic discrepancies between nighttime and daytime IIR–MODIS BTDs in the 30–60∘ N latitude range in summer are reduced from 0.2 K in Version 1 to 0.1 K in Version 2 for IIR1–MODIS29. For IIR2–MODIS31 and IIR3–MODIS32, they are reduced from 0.4 K to close to zero, except for IIR3–MODIS32 in June, where the night-minus-day difference is around −0.1 K.


2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (11) ◽  
pp. 1063-1071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Cristina Araujo Picoli ◽  
Daniel Garbellini Duft ◽  
Pedro Gerber Machado

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of several spectral indices, used on moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (Modis) images, in identifying drought events in sugarcane. Images of Terra and Aqua satellites were used to calculate the spectral indices, using visible (red), near infrared, and shortwave infrared bands, and eight indices were selected: NDVI, EVI2, GVMI, NDI6, NDI7, NDWI, SRWI, and MSI. The indices were calculated using images between October and April of the crop years 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10, and 2013/14. These indices were then correlated with the standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index (SPEI), calculated for 1, 3, and 6 months. Four of them had significant correlations with SPEI: GVMI, MSI, NDI7, and NDWI. Spectral indices from Modis sensor on board the Aqua satellite (MYD) were more suited for drought detection, and March provided the most relevant indices for that purpose. Drought indices calculated from Modis sensor data are effective for detecting sugarcane drought events, besides being able to indicate seasonal fluctuations.


2004 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 4805-4822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah M. Thomas ◽  
Andrew K. Heidinger ◽  
Michael J. Pavolonis

Abstract A comparison is made between a new operational NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) global cloud amount product to those from established satellite-derived cloud climatologies. The new operational NOAA AVHRR cloud amount is derived using the cloud detection scheme in the extended Clouds from AVHRR (CLAVR-x) system. The cloud mask within CLAVR-x is a replacement for the Clouds from AVHRR phase 1 (CLAVR-1) cloud mask. Previous analysis of the CLAVR-1 cloud climatologies reveals that its utility for climate studies is reduced by poor high-latitude performance and the inability to include data from the morning orbiting satellites. This study demonstrates, through comparison with established satellite-derived cloud climatologies, the ability of CLAVR-x to overcome the two main shortcomings of the CLAVR-1-derived cloud climatologies. While systematic differences remain in the cloud amounts from CLAVR-x and other climatologies, no evidence is seen that these differences represent a failure of the CLAVR-x cloud detection scheme. Comparisons for July 1995 and January 1996 indicate that for most latitude zones, CLAVR-x produces less cloud than the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) and the University of Wisconsin High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (UW HIRS). Comparisons to the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) for 1–8 April 2003 also reveal that CLAVR-x tends to produce less cloud. Comparison of the seasonal cycle (July–January) of cloud difference with ISCCP, however, indicates close agreement. It is argued that these differences may be due to the methodology used to construct a cloud amount from the individual pixel-level cloud detection results. Overall, the global cloud amounts from CLAVR-x appear to be an improvement over those from CLAVR-1 and compare well to those from established satellite cloud climatologies. The CLAVR-x cloud detection results have been operational since late 2003 and are available in real time from NOAA.


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