An Automated Cloud-Edge Detection Algorithm Using Cloud Physics and Radar Data

An automated cloud-edge detection algorithm was developed and extensively tested. The algorithm uses in situ cloud physics data measured by a research aircraft coupled with ground-based weather radar measurements to determine whether the aircraft is in or out of cloud. Cloud edges are determined when the in/out state changes, subject to a hysteresis constraint. The hysteresis constraint prevents isolated transient cloud puffs or data dropouts from being identified as cloud boundaries. The algorithm was verified by detailed manual examination of the dataset in comparison to the results from application of the automated algorithm.