Preparatory Studies for Cloud Properties Retrieval from the Multi-view, Multi-channel, Multi-polarisation Imaging (3MI) Mission.

The Multiviewing, Multichannel and Multipolarisation Imaging mission (3MI) has been selected by EUMETSAT as part of the European Polar System – Second generation (EPS-SG) and will provide, for the first time from an operational mission, unique measurements for characterization for aerosols and clouds. Leveraging on the POLDER instrumental concept previously developed by CNES, 3MI will bring observation at an enhanced spatial resolution and over an extended spectral range (from 410 nm to 2130 nm).

New algorithms are currently being developed to translate into physical properties, the high information content of 3MI observations. From detailed properties of aerosols layers alone or above clouds to vertical profiling of cloud microphysics, 3MI is opening new perspectives in passive remote sensing. Its combination with other instruments of the EPS-SG will further enhance the capabilities of the EPS-SG system.

In this presentation, we will provide an overview of current cloud algorithm development being conducted in anticipation of 3MI launch at the 2021 horizon. Through highly realistic simulations of 3MI observations (example images herein) we will in particular illustrate and discuss the impact of cloud vertical heterogeneity on retrieved cloud properties. Likewise, the feasibility to characterize cloud vertical structure from 3MI passive measurement will be introduced and exemplified.