Cloud Observation by Using the EarthCARE Multi-Spectral Imager (MSI)

Abstract

Standard algorithms for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) EarthCARE Multi-Spectral Imager (MSI) Project are described. The CLAUDIA-2 algorithm and the CAPCOM algorithm have been implemented in the JAXA data analysis system for cloud discrimination and for cloud property retrieval, respectively. CLAUDIA-2 is inspired by the MODIS standard algorithm MOD35, but they have different characteristics, and thus MOD35 has been designed under the “clear conservative” concept. CLAUDIA-2 has less bias for both cloudy and clear skies. A synergistic use of cloud profiling radar and imager is also described herein. Indeed, the contoured frequency by optical depth diagram (CFODD) viewgraph obtained by radar reflectivities, cloud optical thickness, and cloud effective particle radii clearly depicted the cloud evolution processes statistically.