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Variable:
Cloud optical depth
Definition
Full name
Cloud optical depth
Definition
Effective depth of a cloud from the viewpoint of radiation extinction. OD = exp(-K.Δz) where K is the extinction coefficient [km-1 ], Δz the vertical path [km] between the base and the top of the cloud and the reference wavelength to be specified in the metadata.
Measuring Units
dimensionless
Uncertainty Units
dimless
Horizontal Res Units
km
Vertical Res Units
Stability Units
dimless (Stability /decade)
Comment:
The cloud optical depth represents the impact of the cloud water column on radiation propagation. It depends on wavelength.
Last modified:
2019-10-16
Applied in OSCAR/Space Gap Analysis:
Yes
Classification
Domain: Atmosphere
Sub-domain: Clouds and precipitations
Variable: Cloud optical depth
Used in Application Areas:
Requirements defined for Cloud optical depth (2)
This tables shows all related requirements. For more
operations/filtering, please consult the full list of
Requirements Note: In reading the values, goal is marked blue , breakthrough green
and threshold orange
Id
Variable
Layer
App Area
Uncertainty
Stability / decade
Hor Res
Ver Res
Obs Cyc
Timeliness
Coverage
Conf Level
Val Date
Source
3
Cloud optical depth
TC
CLIC (deprecated)
15 dimless 20 dimless 30 dimless
100 km 200 km 500 km
12 h16 h24 h
24 h30 h2 d
Global
reasonable
1998-10-29
WCRP
793
Cloud optical depth
TC
Climate Monitoring (GCOS)
50 km
3 h
Global
reasonable
2019-09-25
GCOS-200: The Global Observing System for Climate: Implementation Needs (Published 2016)