Cloud retrievals from satellite data using optimal estimation: evaluation and application to ATSR

Abstract

Abstract. Clouds play an important role in balancing the Earth's radiation budget. Clouds reflect sunlight which cools the Earth, and also trap infrared radiation in the same manner as greenhouse gases. Changes in cloud cover and cloud properties over time can have important consequences for climate. The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) has identified current gaps in the understanding of clouds and related climate feedback processes as a leading cause of uncertainty in forecasting climate change. In this paper we present an algorithm that uses optimal estimation to retrieve cloud parameters from satellite multi-spectral imager data, in particular the Along-Track Scanning Radiometers ATSR-2 and AATSR. The cloud parameters retrieved are the cloud top pressure, cloud optical depth, cloud effective radius, cloud fraction and cloud phase. Importantly, the technique also provides estimated errors along with the retrieved values and quantifies the consistency between retrieval representation of cloud and satellite radiances. This should enable the effective use of the products for comparison with climate models or for exploitation via data assimilation. The technique is evaluated by performing retrieval simulations for a variety of simulated single layer and multi-layer conditions. Examples of applying the algorithm to ATSR-2 flight data are presented and the sensitivity of the retrievals assessed. This algorithm has been applied to both ATSR-2 and AATSR visible and infrared measurements in the context of the GRAPE (Global Retrieval and cloud Product Evaluation) project to produce a 14 year consistent record for climate research (Sayer et al., 2010).