Improving IR cloud phase determination with 20 microns spectral observations

Abstract

Adding 20 μm spectral observations to observations in the 8–12 μm region can significantly improve infrared cloud phase determination from both space and the surface. We demonstrate this with 7–20 μm radiance spectra of Arctic stratus clouds measured by a ship‐based FTIR spectrometer during the SHEBA experiment. Our results are compared with phase classifications obtained from lidar, microwave radiometer, and radar data.