A precaution regarding cirrus cloud detection from airborne imaging spectrometer data using the 1.38 μm water vapor band

E. Ben-Dor*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

A case study that shows a malfunction of the water vapor channel at 1.38 μm to detect cirrus clouds is presented in this article. A combination of elevation, vegetation coverage, water vapor content, and albedo characteristics (mostly governed by the terrain) are the major factors affecting cirrus cloud detection. Using the criteria of relative low radiance and high signal-to-noise ratio amongst several targets and across the 1.84-1.92 μm spectral region, the 1.8489-μm channel was found to more effectively mask ground signals than the 1.3827-μm channel. Over targets having moderate elevation, dry conditions, minimal vegetation, and high albedos, both spectra regions present significant ground signals that can mistakenly be attributed to cirrus cloud particles. It is strongly recommended that for accurate cirrus cloud detection, both spectral regions around 1.38 μm and 1.88 μm be examined along with the above-mentioned factors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)346-350
Number of pages5
JournalRemote Sensing of Environment
Volume50
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1994
Externally publishedYes

Funding

FundersFunder number
Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences of the University of Colorado at Boulder

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