scholarly journals Remote Sensing of Cirrus Cloud Particle Size and Optical Depth Using Polarimetric Sensor Measurements

2005 ◽  
Vol 62 (12) ◽  
pp. 4371-4383 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Ou ◽  
K. N. Liou ◽  
Y. Takano ◽  
R. L. Slonaker
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
Optical Depth ◽  
Steepest Descent Method ◽  
Stokes Parameters ◽  
Retrieval Algorithm ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Transfer Program ◽  
Ice Crystal ◽  
Cloud Particle

Abstract This paper presents a conceptual approach toward the remote sensing of cirrus cloud particle size and optical depth using the degree of polarization and polarized reflectance associated with the first three Stokes parameters, I, Q, and U, for the 0.865- and 2.25-μm wavelengths. A vector line-by-line equivalent radiative transfer program including the full Stokes parameters based on the adding method was developed. The retrieval algorithm employs the steepest-descent method in the form of a series of numerical iteration procedures to search for the simulated polarization parameters that best match the measured values. Sensitivity studies were performed to investigate the behavior of phase-matrix elements as functions of scattering angles for three ice crystal size–shape combinations. Overall, each phase-matrix element shows some sensitivity toward ice crystal shape, size, and surface roughness due to the various optical effects. Synthetic analysis reveals that the retrieval algorithm is highly accurate, while polarimetric and radiometric error sources cause very small retrieval errors. Finally, an illustrative example of applying the retrieval algorithm to airborne Polarization and Directionality of the Earth’s Reflectances (POLDER) data during the European Cloud and Radiation Experiment (EUCREX) is presented.

scholarly journals Remote sensing of cirrus cloud particle size and optical depth using polarimetric sensor measurements

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Szu C. Ou ◽  
K. N. Liou ◽  
Yoshihide Takano ◽  
Richard L. Slonaker
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
Optical Depth ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Cloud Particle

scholarly journals Lidar multiple scattering factors inferred from CALIPSO lidar and IIR retrievals of semi-transparent cirrus cloud optical depths over oceans

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 2759-2774 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Garnier ◽  
J. Pelon ◽  
M. A. Vaughan ◽  
D. M. Winker ◽  
C. R. Trepte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Multiple Scattering ◽  
Infrared Absorption ◽  
Satellite Observations ◽  
Orthogonal Polarization ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Ice Crystal ◽  
Cloud Particle ◽  
Scattering Factor ◽  
Infrared Radiometer

Abstract. Cirrus cloud absorption optical depths retrieved at 12.05 μm are compared to extinction optical depths retrieved at 0.532 μm from perfectly co-located observations of single-layered semi-transparent cirrus over ocean made by the Imaging Infrared Radiometer (IIR) and the Cloud and Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) flying on board the CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations) satellite. IIR infrared absorption optical depths are compared to CALIOP visible extinction optical depths when the latter can be directly derived from the measured apparent two-way transmittance through the cloud. An evaluation of the CALIOP multiple scattering factor is inferred from these comparisons after assessing and correcting biases in IIR and CALIOP optical depths reported in version 3 data products. In particular, the blackbody radiance taken in the IIR version 3 algorithm is evaluated, and IIR retrievals are corrected accordingly. Numerical simulations and IIR retrievals of ice crystal sizes suggest that the ratios of CALIOP extinction and IIR absorption optical depths should remain roughly constant with respect to temperature. Instead, these ratios are found to increase quasi-linearly by about 40 % as the temperature at the layer centroid altitude decreases from 240 to 200 K. It is discussed that this behavior can be explained by variations of the multiple scattering factor ηT applied to correct the measured apparent two-way transmittance for contribution of forward-scattering. While the CALIOP version 3 retrievals hold ηT fixed at 0.6, this study shows that ηT varies with temperature (and hence cloud particle size) from ηT = 0.8 at 200 K to ηT = 0.5 at 240 K for single-layered semi-transparent cirrus clouds with optical depth larger than 0.3. The revised parameterization of ηT introduces a concomitant temperature dependence in the simultaneously derived CALIOP lidar ratios that is consistent with observed changes in CALIOP depolarization ratios and particle habits derived from IIR measurements.

scholarly journals Retrieval of subvisual cirrus cloud optical thickness from limb-scatter measurements

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. Wiensz ◽  
D. A. Degenstein ◽  
N. D. Lloyd ◽  
A. E. Bourassa
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Optical Thickness ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Radiative Transfer Model ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Transfer Model ◽  
Reconstruction Technique ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Multiplicative Algebraic Reconstruction Technique ◽  
Cloud Particle

Abstract. We present a technique for estimating the optical thickness of subvisual cirrus clouds detected by OSIRIS (Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging System), a limb-viewing satellite instrument that measures scattered radiances from the UV to the near-IR. The measurement set is composed of a ratio of limb radiance profiles at two wavelengths that indicates the presence of cloud-scattering regions. Cross-sections and phase functions from an in situ database are used to simulate scattering by cloud-particles. With appropriate configurations discussed in this paper, the SASKTRAN successive-orders of scatter radiative transfer model is able to simulate accurately the in-cloud radiances from OSIRIS. Configured in this way, the model is used with a multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique (MART) to retrieve the cloud extinction profile for an assumed effective cloud particle size. The sensitivity of these retrievals to key auxiliary model parameters is shown, and it is shown that the retrieved extinction profile, for an assumed effective cloud particle size, models well the measured in-cloud radiances from OSIRIS. The greatest sensitivity of the retrieved optical thickness is to the effective cloud particle size. Since OSIRIS has an 11-yr record of subvisual cirrus cloud detections, the work described in this manuscript provides a very useful method for providing a long-term global record of the properties of these clouds.

Removal of the Solar Component in AVHRR 3.7-µm Radiances for the Retrieval of Cirrus Cloud Parameters

1995 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 482-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. X. Rao ◽  
S. C. Ou ◽  
K. N. Liou
Keyword(s):  
Lidar Data ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Transfer Program ◽  
Ice Crystal ◽  
Threshold Values ◽  
Cloud Parameters ◽  
Look Up Table ◽  
Retrieval Scheme ◽  
The Look ◽  
Very High

Abstract A numerical scheme has been developed to remove the solar component in the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) 3.7-µm channel for the retrieval of cirrus parameters during daytime. This method uses a number of prescribed threshold values for AVHRR channels 1 (0.63 µm), 2 (0.8 µm), 3 (3.7 µm), 4 (10.9 µm), and 5 (12 µm) to separate clear and cloudy pixels. A look-up table relating channels 1 and 3 solar reflectances is subsequently constructed based on the prescribed mean effective ice crystal sizes and satellite geometric parameters. An adding–doubling radiative transfer program has been used to generate numerical values in the construction of the look-up table. Removal of the channel 3 solar component is accomplished by using the look-up table and the measured channel 1 reflectance. The cloud retrieval scheme described in Ou et al. has been modified in connection with the removal program. The authors have applied the removal–retrieval scheme to the AVHRR global area coverage daytime data, collected during the First ISCCP (International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project) Regional Experiment cirrus intensive field observation (FIRE IFO) at 2100 UTC 28 October 1986 over the Wisconsin area. Distributions of the retrieved cloud heights and optical depths are comparable to those determined from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite visible and IR channels data reported by Minnis et al. Morwver, verifications of the retrieved cirrus temperature and height against lidar data have been carried out using results reported from three FIRE IFO nations. The retrieved cloud heights are within 0.5 km of the measured lidar values.

Is aerosol optical depth a good metric to map dust properties? Lessons learned from AER-D

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franco Marenco ◽  
Claire Ryder ◽  
Victor Estelles ◽  
Debbie O'Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Aerosol Optical Depth ◽  
Optical Depth ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Saharan Air Layer ◽  
Validation Experiment ◽  
Operational Models ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

<p>The main observable quantity used on a global scale to map aerosols is aerosol optical depth (AOD), from ground-based and satellite remote sensing. It is at the same time an optical property and a vertically integrated quantity, and it is commonly used as the main metric towards which to pull aerosol models, through data assimilation, verification, and tuning. Here we introduce a few reflections on how to better constrain our knowledge of the Saharan Air Layer and its associated mineral dust, following results from the AER-D campaign.</p><p>AER-D was a small field experiment in the Eastern Atlantic during August 2015, based on the opportunity given by the simultaneous ICE-D experiment. The purpose of AER-D was to investigate the physical properties of the Saharan Air Layer, and to assess and validate remote sensing and modelling products. The FAAM atmospheric research aircraft was used as a flying laboratory, and it carried a full set of instruments aimed at both in-situ sampling and remote sensing.</p><p>A broad distribution of particle sizes was consistently observed, with a significant giant mode up to 80 µm, generally larger than what was observed in previous experiments: we ascribe this to the set of instruments used, able to capture the full spectrum. We will discuss the representation of the particle size in operational models, and we will show that despite predicting an extinction coefficient of the correct order of magnitude, the particle size is generally underestimated. We will also discuss the implication of the giant particles for the ground-based remote sensing of columnar size-distributions from the SKYNET and AERONET networks (Sunphotometer Airborne Validation Experiment, which was a component of AER-D).</p><p>We will present the vertical structure of the Saharan Air Layer, and in particular one episode when the structure was very different than the one generally accepted in the conceptual model. Moreover, the comparison with the operational models showed that they can predict a correct aerosol optical depth (AOD, a vertically integrated quantity) despite missing the vertical distribution.</p><p>These findings lead to a series of reflections on how to better constrain our knowledge of the Saharan Air Layer and its representation in operational models. Size-resolved properties and the vertical distribution are essential companions of the global AOD observations commonly used operationally. We will also discuss objectives and ideas for future field experiments.</p>

scholarly journals Calibration of the Cloud Particle Imager Probes Using Calibration Beads and Ice Crystal Analogs: The Depth of Field

2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 1860-1879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J. Connolly ◽  
Michael J. Flynn ◽  
Z. Ulanowski ◽  
T. W. Choularton ◽  
M. W. Gallagher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Calibration Method ◽  
Depth Of Field ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Ice Crystal ◽  
Particle Size Distributions ◽  
Object Plane ◽  
Cloud Particle ◽  
Sample Mean

Abstract This paper explains and develops a correction algorithm for measurement of cloud particle size distributions with the Stratton Park Engineering Company, Inc., Cloud Particle Imager (CPI). Cloud particle sizes, when inferred from images taken with the CPI, will be oversized relative to their “true” size. Furthermore, particles will cease to be “accepted” in the image frame if they lie a distance greater than the depth of field from the object plane. By considering elements of the scalar theory for diffraction of light by an opaque circular disc, a calibration method is devised to overcome these two problems. The method reduces the error in inferring particle size from the CPI data and also enables the determination of the particles distance from the object plane and hence their depth of field. These two quantities are vital to enable quantitative measurements of cloud particle size distributions (histograms of particle size that are scaled to the total number concentration of particles) in the atmosphere with the CPI. By using both glass calibration beads and novel ice crystal analogs, these two problems for liquid drops and ice particles can be quantified. Analysis of the calibration method shows that 1) it reduces the oversizing of 15-μm beads (from 24.3 to 14.9 μm for the sample mean), 40-μm beads (from 50.0 to 41.4 μm for the sample mean), and 99.4-μm beads (from 103.7 to 99.8 μm for the sample mean); and 2) it accurately predicts the particles distance from the object plane (the relationship between measured and predicted distance shows strong positive correlation and gives an almost one-to-one relationship). Realistic ice crystal analogs were also used to assess the errors in sampling ice clouds and found that size and distance from the object plane could be accurately predicted for ice crystals by use of the particle roundness parameter (defined as the ratio of the projected area of the particle to the area of a circle with the same maximum length). While the results here are not directly applicable to every CPI, the methods are, as data taken from three separate CPIs fit the calibration model well (not shown).

scholarly journals Testing remote sensing on artificial observations: impact of drizzle and 3-D cloud structure on effective radius retrievals

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (19) ◽  
pp. 9535-9549 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Zinner ◽  
G. Wind ◽  
S. Platnick ◽  
A. S. Ackerman
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
Radiative Transfer ◽  
Droplet Size ◽  
Optical Thickness ◽  
Marine Boundary Layer ◽  
Effective Radius ◽  
Retrieval Algorithm ◽  
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Remote sensing of cloud effective particle size with passive sensors like the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is an important tool for cloud microphysical studies. As a measure of the radiatively relevant droplet size, effective radius can be retrieved with different combinations of visible through shortwave and midwave infrared channels. In practice, retrieved effective radii from these combinations can be quite different. This difference is perhaps indicative of different penetration depths and path lengths for the spectral reflectances used. In addition, operational liquid water cloud retrievals are based on the assumption of a relatively narrow distribution of droplet sizes; the role of larger precipitation particles in these distributions is neglected. Therefore, possible explanations for the discrepancy in some MODIS spectral size retrievals could include 3-D radiative transport effects, including sub-pixel cloud inhomogeneity, and/or the impact of drizzle formation. For three cloud cases the possible factors of influence are isolated and investigated in detail by the use of simulated cloud scenes and synthetic satellite data: marine boundary layer cloud scenes from large eddy simulations (LES) with detailed microphysics are combined with Monte Carlo radiative transfer calculations that explicitly account for the detailed droplet size distributions as well as 3-D radiative transfer to simulate MODIS observations. The operational MODIS optical thickness and effective radius retrieval algorithm is applied to these and the results are compared to the given LES microphysics. We investigate two types of marine cloud situations each with and without drizzle from LES simulations: (1) a typical daytime stratocumulus deck at two times in the diurnal cycle and (2) one scene with scattered cumulus. Only small impact of drizzle formation on the retrieved domain average and on the differences between the three effective radius retrievals is noticed for both cloud scene types for different reasons. For our, presumably typical, overcast stratocumulus scenes with an optical thickness of 8 to 9 and rain rates at cloud bottom up to 0.05 mm/h clear drizzle impact on the retrievals can be excluded. The cumulus scene does not show much drizzle sensitivity either despite extended drizzle areas being directly visible from above (locally >1 mm/h), which is mainly due to technical characteristics of the standard retrieval approach. 3-D effects, on the other hand, produce large discrepancies between the 1.6 and 2.1 μm channel observations compared to 3.7 μm retrievals in the latter case. A general sensitivity of MODIS particle size data to drizzle formation is not corroborated by our case studies.

Bulk Scattering Properties for the Remote Sensing of Ice Clouds. Part I: Microphysical Data and Models

2005 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 1885-1895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan A. Baum ◽  
Andrew J. Heymsfield ◽  
Ping Yang ◽  
Sarah T. Bedka
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
In Situ Measurements ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Cloud Particle ◽  
Ice Clouds ◽  
Sensing Applications ◽  
Airborne Sampling ◽  
Bulk Scattering

Abstract This study reports on the use of in situ data obtained in midlatitude and tropical ice clouds from airborne sampling probes and balloon-borne replicators as the basis for the development of bulk scattering models for use in satellite remote sensing applications. Airborne sampling instrumentation includes the two-dimensional cloud (2D-C), two-dimensional precipitation (2D-P), high-volume precipitation spectrometer (HVPS), cloud particle imager (CPI), and NCAR video ice particle sampler (VIPS) probes. Herein the development of a comprehensive set of microphysical models based on in situ measurements of particle size distributions (PSDs) is discussed. Two parameters are developed and examined: ice water content (IWC) and median mass diameter Dm. Comparisons are provided between the IWC and Dm values derived from in situ measurements obtained during a series of field campaigns held in the midlatitude and tropical regions and those calculated from a set of modeled ice particles used for light-scattering calculations. The ice particle types considered in this study include droxtals, hexagonal plates, solid columns, hollow columns, aggregates, and 3D bullet rosettes. It is shown that no single habit accurately replicates the derived IWC and Dm values, but a mixture of habits can significantly improve the comparison of these bulk microphysical properties. In addition, the relationship between Dm and the effective particle size Deff, defined as 1.5 times the ratio of ice particle volume to projected area for a given PSD, is investigated. Based on these results, a subset of microphysical models is chosen as the basis for the development of ice cloud bulk scattering models in Part II of this study.

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