Minnis Cloud Products Using Visst Algorithm (VISST)

Information updated on January 23, 2013, 8:37 pm GMT


General Data Description

These data streams contain satellite based retrievals of cloud and radiation properties by Pat Minnis' group at NASA/Langley using the VISST (Visible Infrared Solar-Infrared Split Window Technique) algorithm. The data streams are both pixel-level (4-km) retrievals and gridded area averages on a 0.3 or 0.5 degree latitude-longitude grid.

These data streams replace earlier satellite based retrievals that were based on the Layered Bispectral Threshold Method (LBTM).

The group at NASA/Langley produces additional products, which can be found on their website, NASA/Langley Cloud and Radiation Research (Minnis Group) Home Page

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Data Stream Names

Measurement Description

NASA-Langley cloud and radiation products are produced using the VISST (Visible Infrared Solar-infrared Split-Window Technique), SIST (Solar-infrared Infrared Split-Window Technique) and SINT (Solar-infrared Infrared Near-Infrared Technique). The technique uses satellite (e.g. GOES, MTSAT, AVHRR) channels to detect clouds and retrieve cloud microphysics. Parameters derived include cloud phase, optical depth, particle size, liquid/ice water path, height, temperature, and others.

Atmospheric profiles are obtained from models (e.g. RUC, GFS).

A description of the algorithm was presented at the 2002 ARM Science Team Meeting (see Citable References).

Temporal Coverage

As of 2013-01-24:
SGP
VISST-derived gridded and pixel-level products from satellite GOES8: 1998-05/2003-03
VISST-derived gridded and pixel-level products from satellite GOES10: 2003-04/2006-06
VISST-derived gridded and pixel-level products from satellite GOES11: 2006-06/2011-11.
VISST-derived gridded and pixel-level products from satellite GOES13: 201112-20120923
VISST-derived gridded and pixel-level products from satellite GOES15: 20120924/present.
TWP
VISST-derived gridded and pixel-level products from satellite MTSAT covering Darwin, Manus and Nauru: 2006-01/02. 2007-10/12, 2008-01/04
VISST-derived gridded products from satellite MTSAT covering the entire TWP domain: 2007-10/12.
VISST-derived gridded and pixel-level products from satellite GOES9 covering Darwin, Manus and Nauru: 2003-05/2005-10
VISST-derived gridded products from satellite GOES9 covering the entire TWP domain: 2003-05/07, 2003-11/12,2004-01,2004-05/07,2005-01,2005-05/07
NSA
M/PACE: 2004-09-27/2004-10-24, Please visit MPACE Field Campaign data archive
Planned extension to full year from 2004-03 to 2005-02 for BBHRP validation needs.
PYE
MASRAD: 2005-03-15/2005-09-16. VISST-derived gridded and pixel-level products from satellite GOES10

Area Covered

The areas covered are:
SGP
32N-42N, 91W-105W
TWP
Darwin: 5S-17S, 125E-136E
Manus: 1.5S-2.5S, 147E-148E
Nauru: 0-1S, 166.5E-167.5E
Entire TWP Domain: 10N-20S,120E-180
NSA
64N-74N, 140W-165W

Data Stream Inputs

none

Notification Form Link

VISST Notification Form

Contacts

  • ARM Mentor
    • Richard Wagener
  • ARM Software Developer
    • There is no ARM software developer for this data stream. The files are converted to netCDF files that follow ARM conventions by Mandana Khaiyer at LaRC under contract with ARM.

Processing History

2006-12-01:
Initial release of new netCDF file generation procedure.

2011-10-04:
The two datastreams(sgpvisstgridg11v3minnisX1.c1 and sgpvisstpx04g11v3minnisX1.c1) from 200606-201105 have been reprocessed to reflect the changes of new narrowband-to-broadband TOA flux conversion.

2011-11-30:
The two new datastreams(sgpvisstgridg11v4minnisX1.c1 and sgpvisstpx04g11v4minnisX1.c1) covering 20110701-present became available. Here is a summary of changes from V3 to V4 sent from Mandy. "The changes in the algorithm from v3 to v4 involve a number of minor, constantly evolving issues such as visible calibration etc. The major improvements included in this upgrade are: 1) improved models accounting for the roughness of ice crystals, which should improve derived ice cloud properties 2) improved clear sky maps, especially over snow-covered surfaces 3) improved cloud mask, including improvements during twilight (SZA ~82-90 degrees). "

Acronyms

AVHRRAdvanced Very High Resolution Radiometer
GOESGeostationary Operational Environmental Satellite
LBTMLayered Bispectral Threshold Method
MTSATMulti-functional Transport SATellite
SINTSolar-infrared Infrared Near-Infrared Technique
SISTSolar-infrared Infrared Split-Window Technique
VISSTVisible Infrared Solar-Infrared Split Window Technique
ARM Acronyms

Citable References

Minnis, P., S. Sun-Mack, D. F. Young, P. W. Heck, D. P. Garber, Y. Chen, D. A. Spangenberg, R. F. Arduini, Q. Z. Trepte, W. L. Smith, Jr., J. K. Ayers, S. C. Gibson, W. F. Miller, V. Chakrapani, Y. Takano, K.-N. Liou, Y. Xie, and P. Yang, 2011: CERES Edition-2 cloud property retrievals using TRMM VIRS and Terra and Aqua MODIS data, Part I: Algorithms . IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sens., 49, 11, 4374-4400.

Minnis, P., L. Nguyen, R. Palikonda, P. W. Heck, D. A. Spangenberg, D. R. Doelling, J. K. Ayers, W. L. Smith, Jr., M. M. Khaiyer, Q. Z. Trepte, L. A. Avey, F.-L. Chang, C. R. Yost, T. L. Chee, and S. Sun-Mack, 2008: Near-real time cloud retrievals from operational and research meteorological satellites . Proc. SPIE Europe Remote Sens. 2008, Cardiff, Wales, UK, 15-18 September, 7107-2, 8 pp.