Variability of Parameters of Single-Layer Cloud Fields over Western Siberia in Winter in 2001–2019 according to MODIS Data

Abstract

We estimate the long-term variability of the parameters of single-layer cloud fields over the territory of Western Siberia in winter for the period from 2001 to 2019 based on MODIS data. The main idea of the applied method is to use the results of recognition of 11 cloud types from daily winter (December, January, and February) daytime satellite images. Features of single-layer clouds are considered for three latitudinal zones of Western Siberia: southern (<60° N), transitional (60°–65° N), and northern (>65° N). We found linear trends for the following parameters of different cloud types: the coverage fraction of the target zones, optical thickness, effective particle radius, waterpath, and top height. The paper discusses the results of comparing the data we obtained with information from the annual Roshydromet assessment reports. We suggest hypotheses about the reasons for the anomalous parameter values in the time series for different cloud types in the latitudinal zones of Western Siberia under study in winter.