Retrievals of Cloud Properties and Investigations of Cloud Evolution Process from Novel Satellites, the GCOM-C and the Earthcare

The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report highlighted that predictions of future climate still involve some uncertainties, with aerosol-cloud interactions being a significant source. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate cloud distributions, properties, and the processes of cloud evolution. In this paper, we focus on the GCOM-C satellite (launched in 2017) and the EarthCARE satellite (2024) as vital new tools for investigating cloud properties and evolution processes.

First, we will present validation results of cloud amounts obtained from GCOM-C using ground-based measurement systems. Additionally, we will introduce potential observation products expected from EarthCARE (launched in May 2024, as a collaborative mission by JAXA, ESA, and NICT). As a preparatory step for EarthCARE, we conducted and analyzed statistical data from CloudSat/CPR and Aqua/MODIS to depict cloud evolution on both global and regional scales. This statistical method is known as the Contoured Frequency by Optical Depth Diagram (CFODD).

In this presentation, we focus on the evolution of warm water clouds over Thailand, a monsoon region. Within the CFODD, we observe contrasts between the diagrams obtained during the El Niño and La Niña phases. Finally, we will outline future plans for cloud observations using both polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites.