Operational Ground-Based Retrieval Evaluation for Clouds (OGRE-CLOUDS)

Operational Ground-Based Retrieval Evaluation Framework for Clouds (OGRE-CLOUDS) is an open-source Python package designed to assist users in evaluating cloud microphysical retrievals. As cloud retrieval methods continue to evolve, discrepancies often arise due to varying measurement techniques, algorithm limitations, and resolution constraints.

This package provides tools to address these challenges, offering a robust framework for performing radiative closure calculations and improving confidence in cloud retrieval results. The goal is to support the scientific community in evaluating and comparing different cloud microphysical retrieval algorithms, particularly those used in the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility.

Modules

1. Data Transformation: Converts cloud retrieval data and related meteorological inputs into the appropriate format for use with the RRTM.
2. Example Code for RRTM Execution: Provides example scripts and a compiled file for executing the longwave and shortwave components of RRTM on ARM servers, including instructions for accessing the latest version of RRTM from Atmospheric and Environmental Research (AER).
3. Data Analysis: Extracts variables from RRTM output and generates key visualizations, including time series plots, Taylor diagrams, and skill score diagrams. Customization options allow users to tailor the analysis to their needs.

To demonstrate the capabilities of OGRE-CLOUDS, we will use the baseline retrieval of cloud microphysical properties MICROBASE retrieval algorithm as a case study, based on data from the Eastern North Atlantic (ACE-ENA) campaign.

Installation

To install the OGRE-CLOUDS package, you can easily use pip, the Python package manager.

Simply run the following command:

pip install ogre

Installing from Source

If you prefer to install OGRE-CLOUDS from source, follow these steps:

Clone the repository:

git clone https://code.arm.gov/mwang/ogre

Install the package and dependencies:

cd ogre
pip install .

License

ogre is distributed under the terms of the MIT license.