Global characterization of cloud properties and vertical motions by using EarthCARE observations

Global distribution of cloud properties and vertical motions are investigated by using the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) level2 cloud algorithms for Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE), which is the JAXA and the European Space Agency (ESA) joint satellite mission. Cloud profiling radar (CPR)-only and CPR-atmospheric lidar (ATLID) synergy algorithms are based on the heritages from our algorithms for CloudSat and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) but several major improvements are made. The algorithms are evaluated using ground-based observations and statical comparisons are also conducted by CloudSat and CALIPSO and Aqua/MODIS data. Algorithms consist of cloud mask, cloud type(phase), cloud particle category (ice habit), cloud and precipitation microphysics, terminal velocity and vertical air motion schemes.