SHODM

Marine ARM GPCI Investigation of Clouds (MAGIC): Shortwave Hyperspectral Observations

1 July 2013 - 30 September 2013

Lead Scientist: Patrick McBride

Observatory: OSC, MAG

One of the primary goals of the MAGIC campaign was to improve the understanding of the cumulus-to-stratocumulus transition. Using the shortwave hyperspectral observations of the Solar Spectral Flux Radiometer (SSFR), we retrieved cloud optical thickness and cloud effective particle radius, study the particles in the transition zone between cloud and cloudless skies, and worked to expand the spectral range of other aerosol retrievals being performed during MAGIC. The ship configuration of the SSFR measured zenith hyperspectral radiance from 350 nm to 1700 nm at a spectral resolution between 8 and 12 nm with a narrow field-of-view (2.8 degrees) collimator as entrance optics. Cloud retrieval algorithms developed to utilize both hyperspectral and multichannel observations were used for cloud property retrievals. Between the clouds, the cloud transition zone was studied with a new algorithm developed for use with shortwave hyperspectral observations. The cloud transition zone can have a significant impact on radiative forcing, particularly when the lines of classification between cloud and aerosol are blurred and are active regions of aerosol and cloud interactions. Finally, in concert with the High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) which is also deployed on the ship, SSFR data can be used to constrain the aerosol single scattering albedo and asymmetry parameter (based on an algorithm that is currently being developed) and to derive the column-integrated water vapor. The combination of cloud, aerosol, and water vapor information will be valuable in understanding the cumulus-to-stratocumulus transition.