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      MODIS Collection 6 shortwave-derived cloud phase classification algorithm and comparisons with CALIOP

      , , , ,
      Atmospheric Measurement Techniques
      Copernicus GmbH

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          Abstract

          <p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Cloud thermodynamic phase (ice, liquid, undetermined) classification is an important first step for cloud retrievals from passive sensors such as MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer). Because ice and liquid phase clouds have very different scattering and absorbing properties, an incorrect cloud phase decision can lead to substantial errors in the cloud optical and microphysical property products such as cloud optical thickness or effective particle radius. Furthermore, it is well established that ice and liquid clouds have different impacts on the Earth's energy budget and hydrological cycle, thus accurately monitoring the spatial and temporal distribution of these clouds is of continued importance. For MODIS Collection 6 (C6), the shortwave-derived cloud thermodynamic phase algorithm used by the optical and microphysical property retrievals has been completely rewritten to improve the phase discrimination skill for a variety of cloudy scenes (e.g., thin/thick clouds, over ocean/land/desert/snow/ice surface, etc). To evaluate the performance of the C6 cloud phase algorithm, extensive granule-level and global comparisons have been conducted against the heritage C5 algorithm and CALIOP. A wholesale improvement is seen for C6 compared to C5.</p>

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          Aerosols, climate, and the hydrological cycle.

          Human activities are releasing tiny particles (aerosols) into the atmosphere. These human-made aerosols enhance scattering and absorption of solar radiation. They also produce brighter clouds that are less efficient at releasing precipitation. These in turn lead to large reductions in the amount of solar irradiance reaching Earth's surface, a corresponding increase in solar heating of the atmosphere, changes in the atmospheric temperature structure, suppression of rainfall, and less efficient removal of pollutants. These aerosol effects can lead to a weaker hydrological cycle, which connects directly to availability and quality of fresh water, a major environmental issue of the 21st century.
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            Overview of the CALIPSO Mission and CALIOP Data Processing Algorithms

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              Influence of Cirrus Clouds on Weather and Climate Processes: A Global Perspective

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                Author and article information

                Journal
                Atmospheric Measurement Techniques
                Atmos. Meas. Tech.
                Copernicus GmbH
                1867-8548
                2016
                April 11 2016
                : 9
                : 4
                : 1587-1599
                Article
                10.5194/amt-9-1587-2016
                7430206
                32818045
                7351c077-3c9f-4b20-9ee2-748ee4ef6c70
                © 2016

                https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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