Articles | Volume 9, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-1239-2016
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-1239-2016
Research article
 | 
23 Mar 2016
Research article |  | 23 Mar 2016

A new algorithm for detecting cloud height using OMPS/LP measurements

Zhong Chen, Matthew DeLand, and Pawan K. Bhartia

Abstract. The Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite Limb Profiler (OMPS/LP) ozone product requires the determination of cloud height for each event to establish the lower boundary of the profile for the retrieval algorithm. We have created a revised cloud detection algorithm for LP measurements that uses the spectral dependence of the vertical gradient in radiance between two wavelengths in the visible and near-IR spectral regions. This approach provides better discrimination between clouds and aerosols than results obtained using a single wavelength. Observed LP cloud height values show good agreement with coincident Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) measurements.

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Short summary
We have developed a new algorithm to detect cloud height using satellite data.