The goals of this work are to maintain, validate and refine four Terra and Aqua MODIS algorithms: cloud mask (MOD35) and associated clear sky composite maps, atmospheric profiles (MOD07), cloud top properties and cloud phase (part of MOD06). Maintenance will require (a) monitoring changes in calibration and associated adjustment of cloud detection thresholds, (b) considering replacement channels when primary channels exhibit calibration problems, and (c) continuing validation through comparisons with products from other satellite based algorithms, ground-based observations and focused field experiments. We also propose to support the MODIS calibration team through monitoring of the infrared observations. In addition to maintenance of algorithms there must be evolution; we propose to explore and implement additional improvements to the algorithm, which will be fully tested and delivered to the MODIS science team and made available to the MODIS Direct Broadcast community. Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents for these algorithms will be updated and distributed. In addition to maintaining the Level-2 algorithms we will work with the MODIS science team in assuring high quality Level-3 products from these algorithms. The collective expertise of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) team will provide continuity in these algorithms and support current and future science activities of the polar-orbiting environmental satellite community. In pursuing these goals, the UW-Madison team is proposing to continue its original EOS investigations aimed at providing a better description of clouds and their environment on global and smaller scales for Earth Science applications.
