improvement of algorithm in cloud thermal infrared

6
1 IMPROVEMENT OF ALGORITHM IN CLOUD THERMAL INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY M. Collet (1) , T. Besnard (1) , F. Zanghi (2) , P.W. Chan (3) , L. Berger (4) , C.N Long (5) ,D. Gillotay (6) (1) ATMOS Sarl, 9 rue Lucien Chaserant, 72650 Saint Saturnin, France. (2) Météo France, DSO/DOS, Rue Teisserenc de Bort, Trappes, France. (3) Hong Kong Observatory, Hong Kong, China (4) Université du Maine, Avenue O. Messiaen, Le Mans, France (5) PNNL, Richland, WA, USA. (6) IASB/BIRA, 3 Avenue Circulaire, B-1180 Brussels Abstract: Observation of cloud cover has became, since several decades ago, a key topic of interest for study for several purposes such as greenhouse effect study, freezing and de-freezing of roads and highways, airport observation and atmospheric UV radiation transfer. Several instruments measuring thermal infrared radiation and providing cloud base brightness temperature have been developed, like the CIR (Cloud Infrared Radiometer) technique. We will show in this paper that several ways of research have been initialised to improve the algorithm performance of the cloud brightness temperature measurement and optimize the accuracy of cloud data provided by CIR instruments. 1. INTRODUCTION Since several decades ago, cloud cover monitoring has became a topic of interest throughout the world for many research groups and also for weather monitoring networks of national weather offices. Several techniques are used for the measurement of cloud cover, including thermal infrared spectroscopy. In our previous papers, Gillotay et al. (2001), Berger et al. (2003), Besnard et al. (2004), we presented the concept of our instruments and their use in the field. The feedback of the different measurement campaigns that we performed under various locations and climates showed us some bias in the measurements that are linked to geometric and atmospheric considerations, such as the effects of water vapour and aerosols. We shall discuss here, for CIR instruments, such effects on the cloud brightness temperature measurements and the improvement methods. 2. UNDER ESTIMATION OF BRIGHTNESS TEMPERATURE RETRIEVAL 2-1- Introduction Pyrometric devices field of view, used in the CIR4 (which consists of four pyrometric transducers), is 4° and zenith angle set up is 30° (from zenith). The total “observation surface” monitored by the instrument at 3000 m high is around 0.18 km². Corresponding author address : Collet Matthieu, ATMOS Sarl 72650 St Saturnin, FRANCE e-mail : [email protected] This value has to be compared to 33 m² sensed by a laser ceilometer beam at the same height (Field of view 0.06° / zenith angle 15°). These data are represented on Figure #1. Figure #1: Comparison of CIR4 (left) and ceilometer (right) field of view CIR4 pyrometers receive infrared energy from the “observation surface” of each pyrometer. Under broken cloud situation, transducers with finite field of view receive integration of radiation from cloud bottom layer and/or clouds located above the first layer and/or the sky. In the observation of the brightness temperature of the clouds of the lowest base height, there would be effect from the clouds higher up as well as the sky, which are of lower temperatures, and hence underestimation of the brightness temperature. We call this effect the “background” effect. In order to simplify our discussion, we consider that the background is only “clear sky”. In that case, the background brightness temperature is the average tropopause temperature which varies with the season, geographic location and time of the day, between -25°C and -55°C. P 1.2

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Page 1: IMPROVEMENT OF ALGORITHM IN CLOUD THERMAL INFRARED

1

IMPROVEMENT OF ALGORITHM IN CLOUD THERMAL INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY

M. Collet (1), T. Besnard (1), F. Zanghi (2), P.W. Chan (3),

L. Berger (4), C.N Long (5),D. Gillotay (6)

(1) ATMOS Sarl, 9 rue Lucien Chaserant, 72650 Saint Saturnin, France. (2) Météo France, DSO/DOS, Rue Teisserenc de Bort, Trappes, France.

(3) Hong Kong Observatory, Hong Kong, China (4) Université du Maine, Avenue O. Messiaen, Le Mans, France

(5) PNNL, Richland, WA, USA. (6) IASB/BIRA, 3 Avenue Circulaire, B-1180 Brussels

Abstract: Observation of cloud cover has became, since several decades ago, a key topic of interest for study for several purposes such as greenhouse effect study, freezing and de-freezing of roads and highways, airport observation and atmospheric UV radiation transfer. Several instruments measuring thermal infrared radiation and providing cloud base brightness temperature have been developed, like the CIR (Cloud Infrared Radiometer) technique. We will show in this paper that several ways of research have been initialised to improve the algorithm performance of the cloud brightness temperature measurement and optimize the accuracy of cloud data provided by CIR instruments.

1. INTRODUCTION

Since several decades ago, cloud cover monitoring has became a topic of interest throughout the world for many research groups and also for weather monitoring networks of national weather offices. Several techniques are used for the measurement of cloud cover, including thermal infrared spectroscopy. In our previous papers, Gillotay et al. (2001), Berger et al. (2003), Besnard et al. (2004), we presented the concept of our instruments and their use in the field. The feedback of the different measurement campaigns that we performed under various locations and climates showed us some bias in the measurements that are linked to geometric and atmospheric considerations, such as the effects of water vapour and aerosols. We shall discuss here, for CIR instruments, such effects on the cloud brightness temperature measurements and the improvement methods.

2. UNDER ESTIMATION OF BRIGHTNESS TEMPERATURE RETRIEVAL

2-1- Introduction Pyrometric devices field of view, used in the CIR4 (which consists of four pyrometric transducers), is 4° and zenith angle set up is 30° (from zenith). The total “observation surface” monitored by the instrument at 3000 m high is around 0.18 km². Corresponding author address : Collet Matthieu, ATMOS Sarl 72650 St Saturnin, FRANCE e-mail : [email protected]

This value has to be compared to 33 m² sensed by a laser ceilometer beam at the same height (Field of view 0.06° / zenith angle 15°). These data are represented on Figure #1.

Figure #1: Comparison of CIR4 (left) and ceilometer (right) field of view

CIR4 pyrometers receive infrared energy from the “observation surface” of each pyrometer. Under broken cloud situation, transducers with finite field of view receive integration of radiation from cloud bottom layer and/or clouds located above the first layer and/or the sky. In the observation of the brightness temperature of the clouds of the lowest base height, there would be effect from the clouds higher up as well as the sky, which are of lower temperatures, and hence underestimation of the brightness temperature. We call this effect the “background” effect. In order to simplify our discussion, we consider that the background is only “clear sky”. In that case, the background brightness temperature is the average tropopause temperature which varies with the season, geographic location and time of the day, between -25°C and -55°C.

P 1.2

Page 2: IMPROVEMENT OF ALGORITHM IN CLOUD THERMAL INFRARED

2

This situation implies that the smaller the cloud fraction, the lower would be the observed brightness temperature. This bias due to the CIR4’s finite field of view is proportional to cloud fraction and altitude. Cloud fraction is a continuous variable. As a first approximation, we adopt a discrete approach to the cloud fraction. Moreover, instead of developing a theoretical equation about the effect of cloud fraction on the brightness temperature measurement for the clouds of the lowest base height, we take on an empirical approach as a first step based on the data in a a measurement campaign. The classification of cloud fraction in this discrete and empirical approach is described in Chart #1 and Figure #2 below.

Sky state Cloud fraction Clear Sky 0-1 Octa (0-12,5%)

Broken Clouds 1-7 Octa (12,5-87,5%) Overcast 7-8 Octa (87,5-100 %)

Chart #1: Discrete state of the model

Figure #2: Sky state diagram versus cloud

fraction. 2-2- Processing method The aim of this empirical model is based on the three discrete “sky states” described above, to determine for each of them an offset coefficient to apply on the measured brightness temperature. By analogy with Long et al. (2003), we decided to use the variance of the measured brightness temperature. Long et al. (2003) used a running variance with a 5Hz sampling rate which is not available with our experimental devices. That’s the reason why we decided to apply a variance over a period of 10 minutes. Long et al. (2003) looked for variations due to cloud shape. In the scope of this study we looked for statistical data corresponding to changes of the sky condition due to clouds. Figure #3 is the diagram showing, for the three discrete “sky states”, the relation between brightness temperature variance versus temperature difference between sky and ground. It is based on experimental data in a

measurement campaign of Meteo France in Trappes (France) in the first quarter of 2008.

Figure #3: Partial experimental results of the field measurement campaign.

The classification of the three different sky states (cf. Chart#1) should be performed by an external method. We chose data produced by Vaïsala CT25K ceilometer that we processed for each 10 minute period according to the ASOS algorithm of U.S.A. The Figures #4, #5 and #6 show graphical representation of experimental data sets respectively for clear sky, broken clouds and overcast situations based on the sky states determined from the ASOS algorithm.

Figure #4: Cloud brightness temperature variance versus difference between Tsky

and Tground, for clear sky conditions

Figure #5: Cloud brightness temperature variance versus difference between Tsky

and Tground, for broken clouds conditions

Page 3: IMPROVEMENT OF ALGORITHM IN CLOUD THERMAL INFRARED

Figure #6: variance versus

and T Through a statistical analysis of the entire set of data obtained during the measurement campaignwe have reached

� Values presented above should be linked to statistical data presented in the chartCoherence is the percentage of experimental data placed in the

Results

Situation ratio

Coherence

Chart #2: Statistical data thres

Several aspects could be discussed concerning the validity of this algorof the situations implemented in the diagram construction are overcaswhy data are still collected and will be analyzed in a near futurethresholdlarger datasetcoherence for broken cloud situation. It seems useful to keep in mind that these extremely complex to describe dphenomenoverlapping of clouds The second step is offset for the cloud base height each sky state.considerwith an average which allow converting brightness temperature

Figure #6: Cloud brightness temperatvariance versus difference between T

and Tground, for overcast conditions

Through a statistical analysis of the entire set of data obtained during the measurement campaign, using CIR4 deployed in Trappes

have reached at the following

�������������� � � �

Values presented above should be linked to statistical data presented in the chartCoherence is the percentage of experimental data placed in the correct

Results Clear sky

Situation ratio 27%

Coherence 68%

Chart #2: Statistical data thresholds of brightness temperature

Several aspects could be discussed concerning the validity of this algorof the situations implemented in the diagram construction are overcaswhy data are still collected and will be analyzed in a near futurethreshold values mentioned abovelarger dataset. Results scoherence for broken cloud situation. It seems useful to keep in mind that these extremely complex to describe dphenomena like

ping of clouds

The second step is for the cloud base height

sky state. The considering the adiabaticity of the troposphere

an average linear which allow converting brightness temperature

Cloud brightness temperatdifference between T

for overcast conditions

Through a statistical analysis of the entire set of data obtained during the measurement

, using CIR4 deployed in Trappesthe following

�������� � � ���������� �

Values presented above should be linked to statistical data presented in the chartCoherence is the percentage of experimental

correct area of

Clear sky Broken cloud

27% 20%

68% 22%

Chart #2: Statistical data based on the holds of brightness temperature

Several aspects could be discussed concerning the validity of this algorof the situations implemented in the diagram construction are overcast. That’s the reason why data are still collected and will be analyzed in a near future in order to

values mentioned aboveResults show readily

coherence for broken cloud situation. It seems useful to keep in mind that these extremely complex to describe d

like different cloud ping of clouds, and cloud

The second step is the determination of the for the cloud base height

The offset has beeing the adiabaticity of the troposphere

linear slope of 0.55°C/100mwhich allow converting brightness temperature

Cloud brightness temperature difference between Tsky

for overcast conditions

Through a statistical analysis of the entire set of data obtained during the measurement

, using CIR4 deployed in Trappesthe following limits:

� �� �

Values presented above should be linked to statistical data presented in the chart #2Coherence is the percentage of experimental

of the diagram.

Broken cloud Overcast

20% 53%

22% 88%

based on the holds of brightness temperature

Several aspects could be discussed concerning the validity of this algorithm. Most of the situations implemented in the diagram

hat’s the reason why data are still collected and will be

in order to modify the values mentioned above with a

readily a lack of coherence for broken cloud situation. It seems useful to keep in mind that these situations are extremely complex to describe due to

different cloud layersand cloud dynamics

the determination of the for the cloud base height to apply per

offset has been calculated ing the adiabaticity of the troposphere

slope of 0.55°C/100mwhich allow converting brightness temperature

ure sky

Through a statistical analysis of the entire set of data obtained during the measurement

, using CIR4 deployed in Trappes,

Values presented above should be linked to #2.

Coherence is the percentage of experimental e diagram.

Overcast

53%

88%

Several aspects could be discussed ithm. Most

of the situations implemented in the diagram hat’s the reason

why data are still collected and will be the

with a a lack of

coherence for broken cloud situation. It seems are

e to layers,

the determination of the to apply per n calculated

ing the adiabaticity of the troposphere slope of 0.55°C/100m ,

which allow converting brightness temperature

to altitude. here after

Correction value

In distributions of ceiling differenceCIR4 and a ceilometer, application of the corrective algorithm presented above.

differenbefore application of corrective algorithm.

differences between CIR4 and ceilometer

to altitude. Results are gathered in here after.

Correction value

Toffset (K)

Hoffset (m)

Chart #3: Ceiling offsets values for the three sky states studied

n Figures #7 and distributions of ceiling differenceCIR4 and a ceilometer, application of the corrective algorithm presented above.

Figure #7: Distribution of ceiling differences between CIR4 and ceilometerbefore application of corrective algorithm.

Figure #8: Distribution of ceiling differences between CIR4 and ceilometer after application of corrective algorithm.

Results

Mean error (m)

Chart #4: between CIR4 and ceilometer

Results are gathered in

Correction value Clear sky

+14 K

-2545 m

#3: Ceiling offsets values for the three sky states studied

7 and #8, we present respectively distributions of ceiling differenceCIR4 and a ceilometer, application of the corrective algorithm presented above.

Figure #7: Distribution of ceiling ces between CIR4 and ceilometer

before application of corrective algorithm.

Figure #8: Distribution of ceiling differences between CIR4 and ceilometer after application of corrective algorithm.

Results Before

Mean error (m) 949 m

: Results of mean differen

between CIR4 and ceilometer

Results are gathered in

Broken cloud

+11 K

-2000 m

#3: Ceiling offsets values for the three sky states studied

we present respectively distributions of ceiling differences between CIR4 and a ceilometer, before and after application of the corrective algorithm

Figure #7: Distribution of ceiling ces between CIR4 and ceilometer

before application of corrective algorithm.

Figure #8: Distribution of ceiling differences between CIR4 and ceilometer after application of corrective algorithm.

Before After

949 m 245 m

Results of mean differenbetween CIR4 and ceilometer

3

Chart #3

Overcast

+4 K

-727 m

#3: Ceiling offsets values for the

we present respectively s between

before and after application of the corrective algorithm

Figure #7: Distribution of ceiling ces between CIR4 and ceilometer

before application of corrective algorithm.

Figure #8: Distribution of ceiling differences between CIR4 and ceilometer after application of corrective algorithm.

After

45 m

Results of mean difference between CIR4 and ceilometer

Page 4: IMPROVEMENT OF ALGORITHM IN CLOUD THERMAL INFRARED

This example showthe ceiling heightto confirm collected at values determined for Trappes site have wider spatial validitysignificant interestinstruments like CIR4necessary to include software system

3. OVER ESTIMATION OFTEMPERATURE

3-1 Introduction Throughout several of our former communicationsal. (2004)and potentially aerosols along the optical path between of CIRs couldaccurate cloud brightness temperatures. aerosols and water vapour would contribute to the brightness temperature. Since they appear below the cloud base, they are of higher temperature than the cloud, thus leading toover-estimation of the brightness temperature. In the field of atmospheric UV radiation, this factor is called air mass which varies with the inverse of the cosine of zenith angle. 3-2 Analytical approach In the range of 9 to 14 µm, the energy by the instrument (CIRthe energy emitted by the cloud ceiling, added from the energy emitted by water droplets and potentially other aerosols along the optical path. This drives us to the following formula:

� where �angle of the transducer, released by the observed cloud and energy released along the optical path by water droplets and aerosols. For tconsider that clear sky situation). For become :

With equations (1) and (2), we obtain

�����

This example showsthe ceiling height. H

confirm these offset values collected at other geographic locationvalues determined for Trappes site have wider spatial validitysignificant interestinstruments like CIR4necessary to include software system of CIR4.

OVER ESTIMATION OFTEMPERATURE

1 Introduction

Throughout several of our former communications, Besnard (2003), Genkova et al. (2004), we mentioned that water vapour and potentially aerosols along the optical path between the clouds and the pyrometric devices of CIRs could affect significantly retrieval of accurate cloud brightness temperatures. aerosols and water vapour would contribute to the brightness temperature. Since they appear below the cloud base, they are of higher temperature than the cloud, thus leading to

estimation of the brightness temperature. In the field of atmospheric UV radiation, this factor is called air mass which varies with the inverse of the cosine of zenith angle.

2 Analytical approach

In the range of 9 to 14 µm, the energy by the instrument (CIRthe energy emitted by the cloud ceiling, added from the energy emitted by water droplets and potentially other aerosols along the optical path. This drives us to the following formula:

����� � ��

� is the measured energy, angle of the transducer, released by the observed cloud and energy released along the optical path by water droplets and aerosols. For tconsider that ������

ky situation). For become :

�� �quations (1) and (2), we obtain

� ��� � ��� �

s improvement However it would be better

offset values based on other geographic location

values determined for Trappes site have wider spatial validity, this algorithm will have a significant interest for “self sufficient” instruments like CIR4. Otherwise, it would be necessary to include a look up

of CIR4.

OVER ESTIMATION OF BRIGHTNESS TEMPERATURE RETRIEVAL

Throughout several of our former , Besnard (2003), Genkova et

, we mentioned that water vapour and potentially aerosols along the optical path

and the pyrometric devices affect significantly retrieval of

accurate cloud brightness temperatures. aerosols and water vapour would contribute to the brightness temperature. Since they appear below the cloud base, they are of higher temperature than the cloud, thus leading to

estimation of the brightness temperature. In the field of atmospheric UV radiation, this factor is called air mass which varies with the inverse of the cosine of zenith angle.

2 Analytical approach

In the range of 9 to 14 µm, the energy by the instrument (CIR-4 or CIRthe energy emitted by the cloud ceiling, added from the energy emitted by water droplets and potentially other aerosols along the optical path. This drives us to the following formula:

����� cosis the measured energy,

angle of the transducer, ������released by the observed cloud and energy released along the optical path by water droplets and aerosols. For t

� is a constant (ky situation). For �� � 0

� �� �%

quations (1) and (2), we obtain

� � �% & 'cos�

(1)

(2)

improvement of results would be better based on data

other geographic locations. If the values determined for Trappes site have

this algorithm will have a for “self sufficient” Otherwise, it would be

a look up table in the

BRIGHTNESS VAL

Throughout several of our former , Besnard (2003), Genkova et

, we mentioned that water vapour and potentially aerosols along the optical path

and the pyrometric devices affect significantly retrieval of

accurate cloud brightness temperatures. The aerosols and water vapour would contribute to the brightness temperature. Since they appear below the cloud base, they are of higher temperature than the cloud, thus leading to

estimation of the brightness temperature. In the field of atmospheric UV radiation, this factor is called air mass which varies with the inverse of the cosine of zenith angle.

In the range of 9 to 14 µm, the energy received4 or CIR-13) is in fact

the energy emitted by the cloud ceiling, added from the energy emitted by water droplets and potentially other aerosols along the optical path. This drives us to the following formula:

�%cos����

is the measured energy, �� is zenith � is the energy

released by the observed cloud and �( is the energy released along the optical path by water droplets and aerosols. For this study, we

is a constant (overcast or 0, the formula

quations (1) and (2), we obtain:

1���� � 1*

(3)

of would be better

data the

values determined for Trappes site have a this algorithm will have a

for “self sufficient” Otherwise, it would be

in the

BRIGHTNESS

Throughout several of our former , Besnard (2003), Genkova et

, we mentioned that water vapour and potentially aerosols along the optical path

and the pyrometric devices affect significantly retrieval of

The aerosols and water vapour would contribute to the brightness temperature. Since they appear below the cloud base, they are of higher temperature than the cloud, thus leading to

estimation of the brightness temperature. In the field of atmospheric UV radiation, this factor is called air mass which varies with the

received 13) is in fact

the energy emitted by the cloud ceiling, added from the energy emitted by water droplets and potentially other aerosols along the optical

is zenith is the energy

is the energy released along the optical path by

his study, we vercast or

, the formula

*

With this metthe air mass value. The only restriction is to obtain simultaneous infrared measurement with different ZA values. 3-

As preliminary research, we chose to use the CIRRadiometer with 13 pyrometers), released from a measurement campaign performed on the experimental facility of Hong Kong Observatory in the last quarter of 2007. The first goal of the post treatment program is to select only situati(overcast or clear sky), to be able to use equation (3). In distribution of Pearson correlation coefficient value, between CIR

set and

coefficient between HKO CIR

Due to signal stability, clear skyadjustmentvalues of decided in an arbitrary way a

With this threshold value, weset For each using a linear adjustment of equation (3). We applied least square method between experimental

With this method, we can evaluate in real time the air mass value. The only restriction is to obtain simultaneous infrared measurement with different ZA values.

-3 Instrumental device

a) CIR-13

As preliminary research, we chose to use the CIR-13 experimentaRadiometer with 13 pyrometers), released from a measurement campaign performed on the experimental facility of Hong Kong Observatory in the last quarter of 2007.

The first goal of the post treatment program is to select only situati(overcast or clear sky), to be able to use equation (3). In distribution of Pearson correlation coefficient value, between CIR

set and + 1cos�ZA

Figure #9: Dicoefficient between HKO CIR

analytical function

Due to signal stability, clear sky and overcast situations allowadjustment through values of the decided in an arbitrary way a

With this threshold value, wesets where R/01

For each data using a linear adjustment of equation (3). We applied least square method between experimental data and theor

hod, we can evaluate in real time the air mass value. The only restriction is to obtain simultaneous infrared measurement with different ZA values.

3 Instrumental device

13 instrument

As preliminary research, we chose to use the 13 experimental data (Cloud Infrared

Radiometer with 13 pyrometers), released from a measurement campaign performed on the experimental facility of Hong Kong Observatory in the last quarter of 2007.

The first goal of the post treatment program is to select only situations of homogeneous sky (overcast or clear sky), to be able to use equation (3). In Figure #9, we present the distribution of Pearson correlation coefficient value, between CIR-13 retrieved energy data

�ZA� � 12 function.

Figure #9: Distribution of correlative

coefficient between HKO CIRanalytical function

Due to signal stability, data sets and overcast situations allowthrough equation (3) with high

the correlation coefficientdecided in an arbitrary way a

3������4�

With this threshold value, we/01 5 R1670/689:

data set, Eg value was calculated using a linear adjustment of equation (3). We applied least square method between

data and theor

hod, we can evaluate in real time the air mass value. The only restriction is to obtain simultaneous infrared measurement

As preliminary research, we chose to use the l data (Cloud Infrared

Radiometer with 13 pyrometers), released from a measurement campaign performed on the experimental facility of Hong Kong Observatory in the last quarter of 2007.

The first goal of the post treatment program is ons of homogeneous sky

(overcast or clear sky), to be able to use igure #9, we present the

distribution of Pearson correlation coefficient 13 retrieved energy data

function.

stribution of correlative coefficient between HKO CIR-13 data and

analytical function

data sets stemmedand overcast situations allow

equation (3) with high correlation coefficient (R

decided in an arbitrary way a threshold:

� =, �

With this threshold value, we select only 1670/689:.

value was calculated using a linear adjustment of equation (3). We applied least square method between

data and theoretical function.

4

hod, we can evaluate in real time the air mass value. The only restriction is to obtain simultaneous infrared measurement

As preliminary research, we chose to use the l data (Cloud Infrared

Radiometer with 13 pyrometers), released from a measurement campaign performed on the experimental facility of Hong Kong Observatory

The first goal of the post treatment program is ons of homogeneous sky

(overcast or clear sky), to be able to use igure #9, we present the

distribution of Pearson correlation coefficient 13 retrieved energy data

stribution of correlative 13 data and

stemmed from and overcast situations allow

equation (3) with high R/01). We

threshold:

select only data

value was calculated using a linear adjustment of equation (3). We applied least square method between

ical function.

Page 5: IMPROVEMENT OF ALGORITHM IN CLOUD THERMAL INFRARED

The distribution of these values is presented on Figure #10.

Figure #10: Distribution of energy released along the optical path value, measured by

This preliminary step of the study show an average value of data is obtained with only few months of data. The value in itself and the width of distribution should be confirmed over a longer time period. However, it seems useful to keep in mind that the response transducer of CIRidentical. That only for research purpose, to develop CIRinstrumentpyrometric transducer only

b) CIR To measure water droplets and aerosols on cloud brightness temperatureto measure brightness temperatures with one single transducermeasurements dispersion due to variation (even very slight) of between consideration This instrument owns a pyrometer, -60° up to +60° ZAthe Figure # Figures measurement campaign, performed on ATMOS instrumental garden France,

The distribution of these values is presented igure #10.

Figure #10: Distribution of energy released along the optical path value, measured by

HKO CIR

This preliminary step of the study show an age value of E?

data is obtained with only few months of data. The value in itself and the width of distribution should be confirmed over a longer time period.

However, it seems useful to keep in mind that the response curve transducer of CIR-13 is very close but not identical. That is the reason why we decided, only for research purpose, to develop CIRinstrument which consists of a single pyrometric transducer only

CIR-M instrument

To measure more water droplets and aerosols on cloud brightness temperatureto measure brightness temperatures with one single transducer, measurements dispersion due to variation (even very slight) of between different consideration led us to the concept of CIRThis instrument owns a pyrometer, rotating with a stepper motor from 60° up to +60° ZA . This device

igure #11.

#12 and #13measurement campaign, performed on ATMOS instrumental garden France, between October and November 2008.

The distribution of these values is presented

Figure #10: Distribution of energy released along the optical path value, measured by

HKO CIR-13 instrument

This preliminary step of the study show an ? equal to 18,5 W/m². This

data is obtained with only few months of data. The value in itself and the width of distribution should be confirmed over a longer time period.

However, it seems useful to keep in mind that curve of each pyrometric

13 is very close but not the reason why we decided,

only for research purpose, to develop CIRwhich consists of a single

pyrometric transducer only.

M instrument

more accurately water droplets and aerosols on cloud brightness temperature, it is considered useful to measure brightness temperatures with one

in order to avoid measurements dispersion due to variation (even very slight) of the response

different detectors. This major us to the concept of CIR

This instrument owns a singlerotating with a stepper motor from

. This device

#12 and #13 present results from a measurement campaign, performed on ATMOS instrumental garden at Saint Saturnin

between October and November 2008.

The distribution of these values is presented

Figure #10: Distribution of energy released along the optical path value, measured by

13 instrument

This preliminary step of the study show an equal to 18,5 W/m². This

data is obtained with only few months of data. The value in itself and the width of distribution should be confirmed over a longer time period.

However, it seems useful to keep in mind that of each pyrometric

13 is very close but not the reason why we decided,

only for research purpose, to develop CIR-which consists of a single

curately the effect of water droplets and aerosols on cloud

considered useful to measure brightness temperatures with one

in order to avoid measurements dispersion due to variation

response curves detectors. This major

us to the concept of CIR-single infrared

rotating with a stepper motor from . This device is shown on

present results from a measurement campaign, performed on

Saint Saturninbetween October and November 2008.

The distribution of these values is presented

Figure #10: Distribution of energy released along the optical path value, measured by

This preliminary step of the study show an equal to 18,5 W/m². This

data is obtained with only few months of data. The value in itself and the width of distribution should be confirmed over a longer time period.

However, it seems useful to keep in mind that of each pyrometric

13 is very close but not the reason why we decided,

-M which consists of a single

the effect of water droplets and aerosols on cloud

considered useful to measure brightness temperatures with one

in order to avoid measurements dispersion due to variation

curves detectors. This major

-M. infrared

rotating with a stepper motor from is shown on

present results from a measurement campaign, performed on

Saint Saturnin, between October and November 2008.

coefficient betwe

Figure #along the optical path value, measured by

Figure #

Figure #12coefficient betwe

analytical function

Figure #13: Distribution of along the optical path value, measured by

ATMOS CIR

Figure #11: CIR M instrumen

12: Distribution of

coefficient between ATMOS CIRanalytical function

: Distribution of along the optical path value, measured by

ATMOS CIR-M instrument

: CIR M instrumen

: Distribution of correlative en ATMOS CIR-M data and

analytical function

: Distribution of energy released along the optical path value, measured by

M instrument

5

: CIR M instrument

correlative M data and

energy released along the optical path value, measured by

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With this second step, under different climatic conditions from the CIR-13 measurements in section 3-3 a), the average of E? obtained reaches 40.1 W/m². It will be also necessary to confirm this data over a longer measurement period, covering seasonal variations of the climatic conditions.

4. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK With measurements accumulated over longer periods, an upgrade of processing could be implemented for CIR13. Two possibilities of improvement could be foreseen. On one hand, using a CIR-M as reference, values of background energy (emitted by water droplets and aerosols along the optical path) can be obtained in real time and used to modify infrared temperature measurements of CIR-13 and hence remove the positive bias mentioned in Section 3 above. A measurement campaign is under planning in Hong Kong to run both CIR-13 and CIR-M at the same time at the same site. On the other hand, we could just use a mean value, which varies with season or nebulosity for example, to adjust CIR-13 results. With CIR-4 instrument, the situation will be more complicated due to identical ZA position of transducers. It will be perhaps of interest to design a CIR-5 instrument, with a zenithal sensor. In conclusion, all research ways that we developed on this abstract aim at improving the cloud cover measurement by thermal infrared spectroscopy. Algorithms of CIR instruments (CIR-4, CIR-13 and CIR-M) will probably be upgraded during the following year.

5. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1- Berger L., T. Besnard, D. Gillotay, , F. Zanghi, I.

Labaye, W. Decuyper et C. Meunier, 2003, Approche théorique et expérimentale du contenu en eau des cellules nuageuses troposphériques par spectrométrie infrarouge. In proceedings of « Atelier expérimentation et Instrumentation » , Brest, France.

2- Besnard T., D. Gillotay, G. Musquet, F. Zanghi and I. Labaye, 2002: Mesures sol des formations nuageuses tropospheriques par Spectrométrie infrarouge, in proceeding of Atelier expérimentation et instrumentation, Toulouse, France.

3- Besnard T., D. Gillotay, F. Zanghi, W. Decuyper, C. Meunier and G. Musquet, 2002, Intercomparison of ground based methods for determination of tropospheric cloud base and cloud cover amplitude, in proceedings of 11th conference on Atmospheric Radiation, Ogden, UT, USA, 3-7 June 2002.

4- Besnard T. , D. Gillotay , F. Zanghi , L. Berger and W. Decuyper, 2003.Operational Use of infrared cloud analysers in automatic observing networks and for aeronautic applications, in proceedings of IIPS conference, Long Beach, CA, USA, 7-13 February 2003.

5- Besnard T., D. Gillotay , L. Berger , F. Zanghi and I. Labaye , 2003. Ground based sky dome pictures generated by Infrared spectrometric data. In proceedings of SMOI conference, Long Beach, CA, USA, 7-13 February 2003.

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8- Collet M., Rapport Master 1, Possibilité d'implémentation des méthodes d'échantillonnage spatio-temporelles pour l'étude de la couverture nuageuse, 2007, Université d’Angers, France

9- Collet M., Rapport Master 2, Conception et réalisation d’un imageur de couverture nuageuse infrarouge thermique avec traitement du signal embarqué, 2008, Université d’Angers, France

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