A novel method for ground-based and mobile remote sensing of profiles of cloud microphysical properties using scanning radiometry supplemented by Lidar

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Aim of the project is to develop and apply a novel, ground-based combined passive and active remote sensing method to retrieve vertical profiles of microphysical parameters of convective clouds. Information will be obtained on the vertical evolution (from cloud base to anvil) of the cloud microphysical structure and on the onset of precipitation in growing convective cloud elements. Radiance measurements of spectral solar radiation reflected by convective clouds (passive) will be combined with Lidar data (active). The cloud sides will be scanned synchronously (temporally and spatially) by both instruments. A new retrieval method will be developed to derive vertical profiles of cloud thermodynamic phase (liquid water or ice) and effective droplet and particle radius from the measurements. The threedimensional (3D) nature of convective clouds will be explicitely considered in the microphysical retrievals by applying a 3D radiative transfer model. The results of this project will also serve as a proof-of-concept for applications on future airborne (HALO, in particular) and satellite missions.