Classification of clouds over the western equatorial Pacific Ocean using combined infrared and microwave satellite data

A new cloud classification scheme is presented that combines infrared and microwave satellite data. Because microwave radiation can penetrate deep into the cloud layer, this scheme is able to determine characteristics for both thin and deep clouds. Additionally, the new scheme can provide information on precipitation, which traditional infrared-visible cloud classification schemes have been unable to. The proposed cloud classification scheme utilizes the cloud top temperature obtained from infrared measurements and a microwave index that includes both emission and scattering signals. The classification scheme is validated by aircraft radar data obtained from Tropical Ocean-Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment. -from Authors