Cloud fields retrieved from analysis of HIRS2/MSU sounding data

Abstract

The methods used to determine effective cloud fraction (cloud fraction times cloud emissivity at 11–14 μm) and cloud top pressure from analysis of HIRS2/MSU sounding data are described. Identical procedures are used day and night so as to allow for meaningful day‐night difference fields. Results are shown for June 1979. The monthly mean effective cloud fraction is 43.4%, resulting from a 45.2% value at 0300 LT and 41.6% at 1500 LT. The retrieved single‐day cloud field for June 11 shows good agreement with high spatial resolution visible and infrared imagery.