CLOUD-TOP HEIGHT DETERMINATION USING ATSR DATA

A method for computing cloud-top heights using multi-angle satellite d ata has been developed. By exploiting the dual-angle capability of the ERS-1 Along Track Scanning Radiometer (ATSR), cloud-top heights can b e determined to a nominal accuracy of +/- 1 km. The method uses a spat ial correlation function to determine the ''best-fit'' between the nad ir and forward images of any channel. The resulting horizontal shifts are then converted to cloud-top heights using a simple, but accurate, approximation to the ATSR view geometry. The technique is presented, a nd some examples of cloud top height determination are given. The poss ibility of determining cloud top winds using this technique is explore d. (C) Elsevier Science Inc., 1997