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Using a limited data set of spatially and temporally coincident DMSP SSM/T-2 data and NOAA AVHRR imagery, a methodology has been demonstrated to more accurately retrieve water vapor profiles with a non-linear, physical relaxation algorithm that is constrained by cloud top parameters derived from analysis of visible/infrared imagery. In addition, a unique multisensor, data fusion approach was developed for the specification of cloud top phase in the AVHRR imagery which must first be determined, due to the optically properties of thin cirrus clouds, to ensure the accurate specification of other cloud top parameters, including temperature, pressure, and height. Additional research is underway to determine if 1.6 micrometer data will significantly improve the capability to specify cloud top phase in daytime imagery using this data fusion technique. It is postulated that the optimal detection of thin cirrus and specification of cloud top phase requires the use of both 3.7 micrometer and 1.6 micrometer imagery. However, since both are not scheduled for simultaneous transmission in the NOAA-K data stream, different implementation strategies are recommended for use with the transmission of the 3.7 micrometer channel, the 1.6 micrometer data, and both should they become available in the future. The strategy for use with the 3.7 micrometer channel is the topic of this paper.
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