Cloud Height Detection Using OMPS Limb Profiler Measurements

The Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite Limb Profiler (OMPS LP) ozone product requires the determination of cloud height for each measurement event to establish the lower boundary of the profile for the retrieval algorithm. We have created a revised cloud detection algorithm to apply to LP measurements that takes advantage of the spectral dependence of the vertical gradient in radiance between two wavelengths in the visible and near-IR spectral regions. We find that this approach provides better discrimination between clouds and aerosols than results obtained using a single wavelength. Statistical analysis of observed LP cloud height values shows good agreement with coincident CALIPSO cloud height measurements. The 1 km vertical sampling of the LP cloud height product allows filtering to evaluate the fraction of cirrus clouds present at tropical latitudes. We find an overall morphology similar to other satellite high cloud data sets (e.g. CALIPSO, MLS, MODIS, AIRS). Inter-instrument differences are governed in part by differences in measurement technique.