Measurements
POLDER, PARASOL
Local Observation Time and Length of Data Record
1:30 PM ; 2006–2008
Spatial Resolution
6 km (detection), 20 km (retrieval)
Cloud Detection
Multi-spectral+angle, VIS/NIR threshold tests
Retrieval Methodology
Phase (water/ice), COD, CP
POLDER determines cloud thermodynamical phase and COD using VIS / NIR polarization and a
Look-Up Table approach. Cloud pressure is determined through differential absorption using two channels
in the O2 A-band.
Ancillary Input
radiative transfer
particle model (inhomogeneous hexagonal columns for ice)
References
Parol, F., J. C. Buriez, C. Vanbauce, J. Riedi, L. C. Labonnote, M. Doutriaux-Boucher, M. Vesperini, G. Sèze, P. Couvert,
M. Viollier, F. M. Bréon, 2004: Capabilities of multi-angle polarization cloud measurements from satellite: POLDER results,
Adv. Space Res., 33, 1080-1088.
Goloub P., M. Herman, H. Chepfer, J. Riedi, G. Brogniez, P. Couvert, G. Sèze, 2000: Cloud Thermodynamic Phase
Classification from the POLDER Spaceborne instrument. J. Geophys. Res., 105, 14747-14759.
Ferlay, N., F. Thieuleux, C. Cornet, A. B. Davis, P. Dubuisson, F. Ducos, F. Parol, J. Riedi, C. Vanbauce, 2010:
Toward new inferences about cloud structures from multidirectional measurements in the oxygen A band: Middle-of-cloud
pressure and cloud geometrical thickness from POLDER3/PARASOL. J. Appl. Meteor. Clim., doi: 10.1175/2010JAMC2550.1