Comparison of measuring the cloud top height by a radiosonde with an optical sensor and an airplane

TL;DR

This paper compares cloud top height measurements obtained from radiosondes with optical sensors to those from aircraft with laser locators, assessing the accuracy and reliability of different measurement methods.

Contribution

It introduces a direct comparison between radiosonde optical sensors and aircraft laser measurements for cloud top height, highlighting their accuracy and potential for monitoring satellite and radar methods.

Findings

Measured heights differed by 30 meters, indicating equipment accuracy.

Radiosonde and aircraft measurements are closely aligned.

Results support monitoring and validation of remote sensing methods.

Abstract

Currently, the cloud top height (CTH) is measured by remote satellite and radar methods. Radar methods detect only clouds with precipitation, so their information about the optical cloud top height has little reliability. In addition, any remote method must be monitored. The CTH is most accurately measured by aircraft methods. However, its use for measuring the height of cumulonimbus clouds is almost impossible. The paper presents the results of comparing the measurement of the CTH using a radiosonde with an optical sensor and an aircraft with a special laser locator. The measured heights differed from each other by 30 meters, which corresponds to the accuracy of the equipment used. The purpose of the work is to monitor the quality of satellite and radar methods for measuring the CTH.