SSEC Meetings

Presentation 1500-1530.  Cross-Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) data has a vast range of capabilities available for use by cloud detection algorithms, including better identifying lower level cloud top pressures, detecting optically thin cirrus, and providing more confidence in cloud identification. The NCEP high spectral IR cloud detection algorithm does not currently utilize the full capabilities CrIS has to offer. Several other methods for high IR cloud detection such as Dual Regression, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Cloud and Aerosol Detection Algorithm, and CO2 Slicing, take advantage of CrIS and its high spectral resolution. Examining these other methods could provide insight on how to improve the currently implemented algorithm. There are two main objectives of this research; 1) suggest possible implementable changes to the current algorithm based off what has been successful for other methods and algorithms and 2) propose channels which could improve the NCEP clear sky scheme by removing channels that allows cloud contaminations. The presented poster shows initial results from the ongoing research, including the exploration of the three methods listed above, a demonstration of the benefits of using multiple CrIS channels for cloud detection, and the proposition of some potential solutions to cloud contamination in clear sky schemes.