Cloud typing and microphysics: An EarthCARE-Cloudnet Comparison

This work evaluates EarthCARE cloud products against ground-based Cloudnet retrievals at multiple sites in Europe. We focus on the comparison between the EarthCARE synergetic target classification product (AC-TC), with the Cloudnet target classification product, both derived from the synergy of lidar/radar measurements. As the two classifications have different aerosol/cloud types, a new common classification with the following classes is defined and used for direct comparison: Unknown, Clear, Liquid (Droplets T>0°C), Supercooled Liquid (Droplets T<0°C), Drizzle or rain, Drizzle & droplets, Ice, Ice & droplets, Melting ice possibly coexisting with droplets, Insects, Aerosol. Each AC-TC or Cloudnet target is assigned with a new class. Spatiotemporal collocation criteria are considered, along with visual inspection of the collocated scenes, to limit the dataset in homogenous scenes where the satellite and suborbital platform has detected similar clouds. Additionally, retrieved ice and liquid water cloud contents from Cloudnet and EarthCARE are compared to evaluate cloud microphysical properties. Τhe geographical diversity of the Cloudnet network, provides the advantage of investigating different atmospheric conditions in terms of clouds and aerosols, with abundant ice cloud occurrences in the northern sites and frequent liquid water clouds at the southern sites. This analysis aims to assess the consistency of cloud categorization and microphysical retrievals between the satellite and suborbital measurements, and to investigate the strengths and limitations of both approaches.