JAXA Level 2 cloud and precipitation microphysics retrievals based on EarthCARE radar, lidar, and imager: the CPR_CLP, AC_CLP, and ACM_CLP products

Abstract

This study introduces the primary products and features of active-sensor-based Level 2 cloud microphysics products of the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA; i.e., the cloud radar standalone cloud product (CPR_CLP), the radar-lidar synergy cloud product (AC_CLP), and the radar-lidar-imager cloud product (ACM_CLP)). Combined with the 94 GHz Doppler cloud profiling radar (CPR), 355 nm high-spectral-resolution lidar (Atmospheric Lidar, ATLID) and Multi-Spectral Imager (MSI), these products provide a detailed view of the transitions of cloud particle categories and their size distributions. Simulated EarthCARE Level 1 data mimicking actual global observations were used to assess the performance of the JAXA Level 2 cloud microphysics product. Evaluation of the product revealed that the retrievals reasonably reproduced the vertical profile of the modeled microphysics. Further validation of the products is planned for post-launch calibration and validation. Velocity-related JAXA Level 2 products (i.e., CPR_VVL, AC_VVL, and ACM_VVL) such as hydrometeor fall speed and vertical air velocity will be described in a future paper.