Retrieval of effective cloud field parameters from radiometric data

0475751 - ÚI 2019 RIV AT eng J - Journal Article
Paulescu, M. - Badescu, V. - Brabec, Marek
Retrieval of effective cloud field parameters from radiometric data.
Theoretical and Applied Climatology. Roč. 133, 1-2 (2018), s. 437-446. ISSN 0177-798X. E-ISSN 1434-4483
Institutional support: RVO:67985807
Keywords : radiometry * probability of clear line of sight * model identification * cloud field parameters * statistical estimation
OECD category: Statistics and probability
Impact factor: 2.720, year: 2018

Clouds play a key role in establishing the Earth’s climate. Real cloud fields are very different and very complex in both morphological and microphysical senses. Consequently, the numerical description of the cloud field is a critical task for accurate climate modeling. This study explores the feasibility of retrieving the effective cloud field parameters (namely the cloud aspect ratio and cloud factor) from systematic radiometric measurements at high frequency (measurement is taken every 15 s). Two different procedures are proposed, evaluated, and discussed with respect to both physical and numerical restrictions. None of the procedures is classified as best, therefore, the specific advantages and weaknesses are discussed. It is shown that the relationship between the cloud shade and point cloudiness computed using the estimated cloud field parameters recovers the typical relationship derived from measurements.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0272382