Retrieval of cloud-top heights over the Caribbean

Abstract

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) are two of the instruments aboard the Terra Earth Observing System (EOS). Algorithms for the retrieval of cloud-top heights have been implemented in order to get a product that can be applied in climate change studies, climate modeling and atmospheric research. Cloud height information can be used to analyze the Caribbean climate and to understand deforestation patterns on rain forests. The algorithms to retrieve this kind of information are based on CO2 slicing method and stereo matching methods. Cloud height information appears in terms of cloud top pressures. To compare MODIS cloud top pressures with MISR cloud top heights, it is important to look for a good atmospheric profile for the Caribbean such as by looking at field instrument observations. Available data from MODIS and MISR is geolocated in different latitudes and longitudes. MISR technique is an innovative method that assigns height values in a geometric form. In order to compare MODIS cloud-top pressures and MISR cloud-top heights, cloud-top pressures must be converted into cloud-top heights. Upper air observations can be used to get pressure-height profiles over the Caribbean. Also this kind of data can be used to validate MODIS and MISR parameters. Do cloud height measurements from MODIS can be better comparing to MISR measurements? Do cloud height measurements from MODIS or MISR can be used to classify cloud types? How confident are the conversion methods in order to compare these two sensors?