Ice cloud microphysics inferred from PARASOL satellite observations
Abstract
Cirrus clouds are an important element in the radiative balance of the earth, so a good understanding of their radiative and microphysical properties is essential. Remote sensing of cirrus clouds using the state of polarization of the reflected solar radiation in addition to its intensity can provide more information about the microphysics of the ice contained in the cloud. In this study, the reflected solar radiation from cirrus clouds with different mixtures of ice crystals is simulated and compared with satellite observations. Both smooth and roughened particles are considered, including those used for the current operational MODIS collection 5 ice cloud products and a new habit mixture under consideration for the upcoming collection 6 products. The simulations are performed with an adding-doubling model developed by de Haan et al. (1987) which gives the full Stokes vector at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). The simulated results are compared with observations from the POLDER (POLarization and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectances) instrument on the PARASOL (Polarization and Anisotropy of Reflectances for Atmospheric Sciences coupled with Observations from a Lidar) satellite.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011AGUFM.A53A0321C
- Keywords:
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- 0321 ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE / Cloud/radiation interaction;
- 3311 ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES / Clouds and aerosols