Parametric Cloud Tomography

We present a novel simple parametric tomographic technique allowing to derive the cloud extinction coefficient fields from the measured cloud dimensions and optical thickness (COT). The currently available cloud tomographic algorithms are based on either least-square fit over multi-dimensional space of cloud spatial configurations or on a simpler technique using Radon transform. Both approaches are computatially extensive and require radiometric measurements made with high angular resolution. This raises questions about their applicability to satellite data analysis. In this study we propose a simpler and much more robust parametric alternative to these algorithms that is based on the internal structures found in LES-generated clouds. This approach is analytical, thus, computationally fast, and has a potential of application to airborne and satellite observations in real time.