Evaluation of MODIS-derived Cloud Properties Using the ARM SGP Data

摘要

The MODIS instrument on board the NASA satellite Terra has been collecting global data since March 2000 and on the satellite Aqua since May 2002. The physical and radiative properties of cloud layers from the MODIS data are retrieved from multiwavelength reflected solar and emitted thermal radiation measurements by the MODIS Atmospheres team and the CERES Science Team. TERRA has been monitored when it passes close to the ARM sites. In this paper we compare cirrus cloud properties derived from ground-based remote sensing data with similar cloud properties derived from MODIS. 15 cases of cirrus are examined and a statistical approach is explored. We show a positive correlation in the cloud properties between the various methods although the biases can be significant. Classifying the clouds by optical depth, we also demonstrate that the regional cloud properties are similar to those diagnosed from the ground.