[A-CG41] Satellite Earth Environment Observation

[ACG41-P11] Investigating cloud properties across diverse atmospheric conditions using SGLI/GCOM-C and MODIS/Terra satellite observations

*Pradeep Khatri¹, Tadahiro Hayasaka², Hitoshi Irie³ (1.Department of Science and Engineering for Sustainable Innovation, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Soka University, 2.Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University , 3.Center for Environmental Remote Sensing, Chiba University )

Keywords:SGLI, Cloud, MODIS

Despite the significant role of clouds in both the climate system and the hydrological cycle, their effects remain poorly understood, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of cloud properties under diverse atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, since satellite observations are effective tools for monitoring clouds across a variety of atmospheric conditions, it is equally important to evaluate the consistency of cloud products from different observation systems. To address these dual objectives, we compared and analyzed cloud properties from SGLI/GCOM-C and MODIS/Terra over regions with diverse atmospheric conditions—dense tropical rainforests (Amazon), deserts (Sahara), temperate grasslands (Great Plains), polar ice caps (Greenland), oceanic regions (Central Pacific), and urban areas (the 10 largest cities by population in 2024)—during June-July 2023. Our results reveal generally good agreement in cloud properties between SGLI and MODIS, although surface type, particularly surface reflectance, and satellite viewing geometry, such as the viewing zenith angle, were identified as major factors contributing to the observed differences in cloud properties. Additionally, the study found relatively higher cloud optical depth and smaller cloud particle effective radius (CER) over the Sahara Desert, suggesting that dust aerosols may significantly influence the aerosol indirect effect. However, a more detailed study is still required to fully understand the impact of aerosols on cloud properties under different atmospheric conditions.