Retrieval of macrophysical cloud parameters from MIPAS: algorithm description and preliminary validation

Abstract

Abstract. The Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) onboard ENVISAT has the potential to be particularly useful for studying high, thin clouds, which have been difficult to observe in the past. This paper details the development, implementation and testing of an optimal-estimation-type retrieval for three macrophysical cloud parameters (cloud top height, cloud top temperature and cloud extinction coefficient) from infrared spectra measured by MIPAS, employing additional information derived to improve the choice of a priori. The retrieval is applied and initially validated on MIPAS data. From application to MIPAS data, the retrieved cloud top heights are assessed to be accurate to within 50 m, the cloud top temperatures to within 0.5 K and extinction coefficients to within a factor of 15%. This algorithm has been adopted by the European Space Agency's ''MIPclouds'' project, which itself recognises the potential of MIPAS beyond monitoring atmospheric chemistry and seeks to study clouds themselves rigorously using MIPAS.