MVCM Overview
Scientific understanding of global change requires long-term, reliable measurements of the key physical variables that define the variability and shifts in state of the Earth system and its multiple components. A high-quality dataset for global studies requires measurements made by well-characterized and calibrated, stable instruments, as well as consistent and validated algorithms, Our focus is on extending the MODIS-heritage cloud detection approach in order to generate appropriate climate data records for clouds. Continuity of cloud data records between MODIS and VIIRS is a challenge because of the absence of key spectral channels on VIIRS (CO2-slicing, water vapor). We are developing a common cloud mask algorithm for MODIS and VIIRS observations that operates only on spectral channels available from both instruments (MVCM).
