A cloud-removal algorithm for SSM/I data

Microwave radiometers, while traditionally utilized in atmospheric and oceanic studies, can also be used in land surface applications. However, the problem of undesirable atmospheric effects caused by clouds and precipitation must be addressed. In this paper, temporal composite surface brightness images are generated from special sensor microwave/imager (SSM/I) data with the aid of new algorithms to eliminate small-scale distortion caused by clouds or precipitation. Mean, second-highest value, modified maximum average (MMA), and hybrid compositing algorithms are compared. The effectiveness of each algorithm is illustrated through simulation and real data distribution analysis. The results show that the second-highest value algorithm is biased high. MMA provides a more accurate brightness temperature estimate in areas of atmospheric distortion, while the mean is superior in regions with little or no distortion. A hybrid algorithm is developed that is a combination of MMA and mean. It utilizes the strengths of both to create a superior algorithm for regions with varying levels of distortion. Uses of composite images produced by these algorithms include studies of vegetation change, land cover classification, and surface parameter extraction.