Active remote sensing observations for Cirrus Clouds profiling at subtropical and polar latitudes

Author(s):Show less -

Cordoba-Jabonero, Carmen ; Larroza, Eliane G. ; Landulfo, Eduardo ; Nakaema, Walter M. ; Cuevas, Emilio ; Ochoa, Hector ; Gil-Ojeda, Manuel ; Comeron, A ; Kassianov, EI ; Schafer, K ; Picard, RH ; Stein, K ; Gonglewski, JD

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: REMOTE SENSING OF CLOUDS AND THE ATMOSPHERE XIX AND OPTICS IN ATMOSPHERIC PROPAGATION AND ADAPTIVE SYSTEMS XVII; v. 9242, p. 10-pg., 2014-01-01.

Abstract

Cirrus clouds with several important and climate-related applications are product of weather processes, and hence their occurrence and macrophysical/optical properties can vary significantly over different regions of the world. In this sense, a few case studies of cirrus clouds observed at both subtropical and polar latitudes are examined. Observations are carried out in three stations: Sao Paulo (Brazil, 23.6 degrees S/46.8 degrees W) and Sta. Cruz de Tenerife (Spain, 28.5 degrees N/16.3 degrees W), being both subtropical sites, and the Belgrano II base (Argentina, 78 degrees S/35 degrees W) in the Antarctic continent. Active remote sensing (LIDAR) is used for profiling measurements, and cirrus clouds features are retrieved by using a recently proposed methodology. Local radiosounding profiles are also used for cirrus-temperature correlation analysis. Optical and macrophysical properties (COD-cloud optical depth, top/base heights and Lidar Ratio, mainly) of both the subtropical and polar cirrus clouds are reported. This study is focused on the classification of the daily cloud features into three Cirrus COD-related categories: svCi-subvisual (COD < 0.06), stCi-semitransparent (0.06 < COD < 0.3), and opCi-opaque (COD > 0.3) clouds. In general, subtropical Cirrus clouds present lower LR values and are found at higher altitudes than those detected at polar latitudes. In addition, a higher svCi presence is observed over the polar station along the day, since svCi clouds are formed at lower temperatures. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/11836-2 - Cirrus studies and evaluation of long range transport of particles into the South American Continent
• Grantee: Eduardo Landulfo
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International