Cloud optical depths and TOA fluxes: Comparison between satellite and surface retrievals from multiple platforms

Performances of two cloud property retrieval schemes are assessed by comparison with each other. The study is limited to liquid phase clouds. Two parameters are assessed: cloud optical depth in the visible band and broadband shortwave (SW) flux at the top‐of‐atmosphere (TOA). Retrievals are based on look‐up tables for a variety of conditions using an adding‐doubling code coupled with LOWTRAN‐7 transmittance models. Comparisons of cloud optical depths retrieved from ground measurements with those from ISCCP DX data agree better than previously reported comparisons with the original ISCCP CX data. Likewise, good agreement is obtained between retrieved and inferred TOA SW fluxes. Differences fall within uncertainties of input parameters, as well as shortcomings in the use of a plane‐parallel radiative transfer model and in the inversion schemes themselves.