Retrieve mixed-phase cloud macrophysical and microphysical properties with multi-sensor measurements

Mixed-phase clouds play a critical role in the climate system, especially in the high latitudes. However, mixed-phase clouds are challenging to simulate and are poorly constrained with observations. A-Train satellite multi-sensor measurements provide a unique opportunity to characterize mixed-phase cloud globally. This talk will summarize our multi-sensor algorithm developments in providing both liquid and ice phase properties in stratiform mixed-phase clouds benefiting from Dr. Liou’s fundamental contributions in ice particle scattering and its applications in polarization lidar. Combined lidar and radar measurements allow mixed-phase cloud property characterizations from multi-platforms. Lidar and radar measurements can also be synergized with MODIS passive measurements for global mixed-phase cloud study during the A-train era. Results from multi-sensor measurements are used to study aerosol impacts on mixed-phase cloud properties, temperature dependency of mixed-phase cloud properties, and validate models.