An Extrapolation Technique of Cloud Characteristics Using Tropical Cloud Regimes
Abstract: This thesis tests a technique based on objectively identified tropical cloud regimes, in which some cloud characteristics are extrapolated from a single site in the tropics to the entire tropics. Information on cloud top pressure, cloud optical thickness and total cloud cover from 1985-2000 has been derived from the ISCCP D1 data set and has been used to create maps of tropical cloud regimes and maps of total cloud cover over the tropics. The distribution and characteristics of the tropical cloud regimes has been discussed after which total cloud cover values were extrapolated to the cloud regimes over the tropics. After a qualitative and quantitative assessment was used to evaluate the success of the extrapolating method, it was found that the method worked especially well for time averaged extrapolated data sets using the median values of total cloud cover values.
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