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Cloud vertical distribution from combined surface and space radar-lidar observations at two Arctic atmospheric observatories Público Deposited

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https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/articles/0g354f90h
Abstract
  • Detailed and accurate vertical distributions of cloud properties (such as cloud fraction, cloud phase, and cloud water content) and their changes are essential to accurately calculate the surface radiative flux and to depict the mean climate state. Surface and space-based active sensors including radar and lidar are ideal to provide this information because of their superior capability to detect clouds and retrieve cloud microphysical properties. In this study, we compare the annual cycles of cloud property vertical distributions from space-based active sensors and surface-based active sensors at two Arctic atmospheric observatories, Barrow and Eureka. Based on the comparisons, we identify the sensors' respective strengths and limitations, and develop a blended cloud property vertical distribution by combining both sets of observations. Results show that surface-based observations offer a more complete cloud property vertical distribution from the surface up to 11km above mean sea level (a.m.s.l.) with limitations in the middle and high altitudes; the annual mean total cloud fraction from space-based observations shows 25–40% fewer clouds below 0.5km than from surface-based observations, and space-based observations also show much fewer ice clouds and mixed-phase clouds, and slightly more liquid clouds, from the surface to 1km. In general, space-based observations show comparable cloud fractions between 1 and 2kma.m.s.l., and larger cloud fractions above 2kma.m.s.l. than from surface-based observations. A blended product combines the strengths of both products to provide a more reliable annual cycle of cloud property vertical distributions from the surface to 11kma.m.s.l. This information can be valuable for deriving an accurate surface radiative budget in the Arctic and for cloud parameterization evaluation in weather and climate models. Cloud annual cycles show similar evolutions in total cloud fraction and ice cloud fraction, and lower liquid-containing cloud fraction at Eureka than at Barrow; the differences can be attributed to the generally colder and drier conditions at Eureka relative to Barrow.
Creator
Date Issued
  • 2017-05-16
Academic Affiliation
Journal Title
Journal Issue/Number
  • 9.0
Journal Volume
  • 17.0
Última modificación
  • 2019-12-06
Resource Type
Declaración de derechos
DOI
ISSN
  • 1680-7324
Language

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