Satellite-based cloud remote sensing & 3D effects

• Applicants: Dr. Anja Hünerbein; Dr. Martin Stengel
• Subject Area: Atmospheric Science
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 513446258

The upcoming satellite systems with their high spatio-temporal resolution and the combination of active and passive remote sensing will enable us to resolve cloud properties and processes at the better scales. It is therefore crucial to extend established remote-sensing tools to the capacities of the new suite of sensors. The combination of the Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer and meteosat third generation satellite missions will provide a unique dataset which is expected to significantly improve our understanding of cloud lifecycle studies all relevant cloud properties. Current cloud remote sensing suffers from ambiguities due to under-determined inversions of observed radiances to retrieved cloud properties. In particular, spatial cloud structure and microphysical properties of clouds are major unknowns. The new satellite systems will resolve the spatial (vertical and horizontal) cloud structure much better. However, new retrieval techniques are required to account e.g., for net horizontal radiation transports. The main aim of this project is to investigate the 3D effects of the cloud properties retrieved from satellite using modelled and existing observations to improve cloud retrieval methods for the new satellite generation. As part of these activities new methods will be developed and adapted to the long satellite time series for climate applications.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 5626: Cloud Structure & Climate - Closing the 3D Gap