Analysis of different cloud signatures using multiwavelength raman lidar retrievals

Simona Andrei,Alex Dandocsi,Livio Belegante,Flori Ţoancă,Doina Nicolae,Anca Nemuc,D Nicolae,C Senff,A Behrendt,D Balis,U Wandinger,I Veselovskii,M.P Mccormick,A Comeron,E Landulfo,A Makoto,F Gibert,A Vassilis

doi:10.1051/epjconf/201817605034

Abstract

The present study is focused on microphysics analysis of different cloud types observed by a multi-wavelength Raman lidar. Particle’s content from a wide variety of cloud types, produced in various atmospheric environments, were investigated using data provided by lidar and validated using ECMWF’s ERA Interim reanalysis. The results emphasized the capability of lidar instruments to detect multiple cloud layers, and to discriminate between ice particles and water droplets found within the studied clouds.

Highlights

Clouds represent one of the most important components of weather and climate system, having an extensive influence on Earth’s radiation budget
This study aims to correlate the information from lidar observations and ERA Interim reanalysis in order to assess and validate the cloud particle types measured in different atmospheric environments
Time series of Volume linear depolarization ratio (VDR) show values ranging from 6 to 18% corresponding to water droplets up to 35% corresponding to ice crystals

Summary

Introduction

Clouds represent one of the most important components of weather and climate system, having an extensive influence on Earth’s radiation budget. Together with aerosols, they contribute with the largest uncertainty in estimating and interpretations of the Earth’s changing energy budget [1]. Depending on the atmospheric environment features, clouds are composed of water droplets, ice crystals or a mixture of both [3]. Remote sensing observations were used in different campaigns to study cloud types, and their features such as liquid/ice water content or ice crystals [5]. Ice crystals, considered non-spherical particles can exhibit depolarization ratios greater than 20%, and can be distinguished from cloud droplets or super cooled droplets with lower depolarization ratios [8]

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Conclusion