Comparison of measuring the cloud top height by a radiosonde with an optical sensor and an airplane

Abstract

Currently, the cloud top height (CTH) is measured by remote satellite and radar methods. Radar methods detect only clouds with precipitation, so their information about the optical cloud top height has little reliability. In addition, any remote method must be monitored. The CTH is most accurately measured by aircraft methods. However, its use for measuring the height of cumulonimbus clouds is almost impossible. The paper presents the results of comparing the measurement of the CTH using a radiosonde with an optical sensor and an aircraft with a special laser locator. The measured heights differed from each other by 30 meters, which corresponds to the accuracy of the equipment used. The purpose of the work is to monitor the quality of satellite and radar methods for measuring the CTH.