Determination of cloud microphysical properties from AVHRR images: comparisons of three approaches

This contribution to the EUCREX mission 206 series aims at evaluating the p erformances of three methods considered for the retrieval of cloud microphy sical properties (optical depth, droplet effective radius and liquid water path (LWP)) from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) satellite images. These procedures, namely a set of empirical parameterizations, a p hysically based inversion code, and a neuronal approach, are tested with th e mission 206 case study. The influence of horizontal averaging on the retr ieved cloud properties is also investigated to assess the limitations of th e comparison between satellite observations and aircraft measurements perfo rmed at a smaller scale. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved .