Multivariate minimum residual method for cloud retrieval. Part I: Theoretical aspects and simulated observation experiments

This method, called multivariate minimum residual (MMR), is inspired by the minimum residual technique by Eyre and Menzel and is especially suitable for exploiting the large number of channels from hyperspectral infrared sounders. Its accuracy is studied in a theoretical framework where the observations and the numerical model are supposed perfect.

Of particular interest is the number of independent information that can be found on the cloud according to the number of channels used. The technical implementation of the method is also briefly discussed. The MMR scheme is validated with the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument using simulated observations.