scholarly journals Changes of cirrus cloud properties and occurrence over Europe during the COVID-19 caused air traffic reduction

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Li ◽  
Silke Groß
Keyword(s):  
Air Traffic ◽  
Cirrus Clouds ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Ice Cloud ◽  
Cloud Properties ◽  
Lidar Measurements ◽  
Traffic Reduction ◽  
Linear Depolarization Ratio

Abstract. By inducing linear contrails and contrail cirrus, air traffic has a main impact on the ice cloud coverage and occurrence. During the COVID-19 pandemic the civil air traffic over Europe was significantly reduced: in March and April 2020 to about 80 % compared to the year before. This unique situation allows to study the effect of air traffic on cirrus clouds. This work investigates based on satellite lidar measurements if and how cirrus cloud properties and occurrence changed over Europe in the course of COVID-19. Cirrus cloud properties are analyzed for different years, which showed similar meteorological conditions for March and April as they were found for 2020. Comparing these years shows that the cirrus cloud occurrence was reduced by about 30 % with smaller cloud thicknesses found in April 2020. The average thickness of cirrus clouds was reduced to 1.18 km in April 2020 compared to a value of 1.40 km under normal conditions. In addition, the cirrus clouds measured in April 2020 possess smaller mean values of the particle linear depolarization ratio (PLDR) than the previous years at high significance level, especially at colder temperatures (T 

Study of cirrus cloud properties and occurrence over Europe during the COVID-19 based on the lidar measurements of CALIPSO

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Li ◽  
Silke Groß
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Radiative Forcing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Air Traffic ◽  
Cirrus Clouds ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Good Opportunity ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Cloud Properties

<p>Cirrus clouds have a wide global coverage providing considerable radiative forcing on the Earth’s climate system. Due to their inadequate representation in the global models, cirrus clouds can lead to large uncertainties in the climate prediction. To date, experimental and theoretical efforts have been widely carried out to study the anthropogenic effects such as aviation that may change the formation and microphysic and optical properties of cirrus clouds. Unfortunately, however, solid observational studies are still rare for us to draw any robust conclusion on anthropogenic influence on cirrus. During the COVID-19 pandemic the civil air traffic over Europe was significantly reduced. This unique situation provides a good opportunity to study the effect of air traffic on cirrus. In this work, based on the analysis of the CALIPSO measurements we present the changes of cirrus cloud properties and occurrence over Europe in March and April 2020 compared with the reference results in the previous years under normal conditions. The comparison shows that the cirrus cloud occurrence was reduced by about 30% with smaller cloud thicknesses found in April 2020. The average thickness of cirrus clouds was reduced to 1.18 km in April 2020 compared to a value of 1.40 km under normal conditions. In addition, the cirrus clouds measured in April 2020 possess smaller mean values of the particle linear depolarization ratio (PLDR) than the previous years at a high significance level, especially at colder temperatures (T<-50<sup>o</sup>C). The same exercises are extended to the observations over China and the United States. Besides the regional discrimination of cirrus clouds, we reach the final summary that cirrus clouds show significant changes in both March and April over Europe, no changes in both months over China, and significant changes only in April over the United States.</p>

scholarly journals Changes in cirrus cloud properties and occurrence over Europe during the COVID-19-caused air traffic reduction

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 14573-14590
Author(s):  
Qiang Li ◽  
Silke Groß
Keyword(s):  
Meteorological Conditions ◽  
Air Traffic ◽  
Cirrus Clouds ◽  
Cloud Formation ◽  
Final Conclusion ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Average Thickness ◽  
Ice Cloud ◽  
Cloud Properties ◽  
The Usa

Abstract. By inducing linear contrails and contrail cirrus, air traffic has a main impact on the ice cloud coverage and occurrence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, civil air traffic over Europe was significantly reduced, in March and April 2020, to about 80 % compared to the year before. This unique situation allows us to study the effect of air traffic on cirrus clouds. This work investigates, based on satellite lidar measurements, if and how cirrus cloud properties and occurrence changed over Europe in the course of COVID-19. Cirrus cloud properties are analyzed for different years between 2014 and 2019, which showed similar meteorological conditions for the month of April as in 2020. The meteorological conditions for March, however, were warmer and drier in 2020 than the previous years. The average thickness of cirrus clouds was reduced to 1.18 km in March 2020 compared to a value of 1.40 km under normal conditions, which is stronger than expected from the aviation reduction due to the less favorable meteorology for ice cloud formation. While the April results in 2020 were only slightly reduced, with an average thickness of 70 m thinner than the composite mean of the previous 6 years. Comparing the different years shows that the cirrus cloud occurrence was reduced by about 17 %–30 %, with smaller cloud thicknesses found in 2020 for both months. In addition, the cirrus clouds measured in 2020 possess smaller values of the particle linear depolarization ratio (PLDR) than the previous years at a high significance level for both months, especially at colder temperatures (T<-50 ∘C). The same analyses are extended to the observations over the USA and China. Besides the regional discrimination of cirrus clouds, we reach the final conclusion that cirrus clouds show significant changes in PLDR in both March and April over Europe, no changes in both months over China, and significant changes only in April over the USA.

scholarly journals Variability in cirrus cloud properties using a Polly<sup>XT</sup> Raman lidar over high and tropical latitudes

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 4427-4444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalliopi Artemis Voudouri ◽  
Elina Giannakaki ◽  
Mika Komppula ◽  
Dimitris Balis
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Cirrus Clouds ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Raman Lidar ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Cloud Optical Depth ◽  
Geometrical Properties ◽  
Depolarisation Ratio ◽  
Cloud Properties ◽  
Lidar Ratio

Abstract. Measurements of geometrical and optical properties of cirrus clouds, performed with a multi-wavelength PollyXT Raman lidar during the period 2008 to 2016, are analysed. The measurements were performed with the same instrument, during sequential periods, in three places at different latitudes, Gwal Pahari (28.43∘ N, 77.15∘ E; 243 m a.s.l.) in India, Elandsfontein (26.25∘ S, 29.43∘ E; 1745 m a.s.l.) in South Africa and Kuopio (62.74∘ N, 27.54∘ E; 190 m a.s.l.) in Finland. The lidar dataset was processed by an automatic cirrus cloud masking algorithm, developed in the frame of this work. In the following, we present a statistical analysis of the lidar-retrieved geometrical characteristics (cloud boundaries, geometrical thickness) and optical properties of cirrus clouds (cloud optical depth, lidar ratio, ice crystal depolarisation ratio) measured over the three areas that correspond to subtropical and subarctic regions as well as their seasonal variability. The effect of multiple scattering from ice particles to the derived optical products is also considered and corrected in this study. Our results show that cirrus layers, which have a noticeable monthly variability, were observed between 6.5 and 13 km, with temperatures ranging from −72 to −27 ∘C. The observed differences on cirrus clouds' geometrical and optical properties over the three regions are discussed in terms of latitudinal and temperature dependence. The latitudinal dependence of the geometrical properties is consistent with satellite observations, following the pattern observed with CloudSat, with decreasing values towards the poles. The geometrical boundaries have their highest values in the subtropical regions, and overall, our results seem to demonstrate that subarctic cirrus clouds are colder, lower and optically thinner than subtropical cirrus clouds. The dependence of cirrus cloud geometrical thickness and optical properties on mid-cirrus temperatures shows a quite similar tendency for the three sites but less variability for the subarctic dataset. Cirrus clouds are geometrically and optically thicker at temperatures between −45 and −35 ∘C, and a second peak is observed at lower temperatures ∼-70 ∘C for the subarctic site. Lidar ratio values also exhibit a pattern, showing higher values moving toward the poles, with higher mean values observed over the subarctic site. The dependency of the mid-cirrus temperatures on the lidar ratio values and the particle depolarisation values is further examined. Our study shows that the highest values of the cirrus lidar ratio correspond to higher values of cirrus depolarisation and warmer cirrus. The kind of information presented here can be rather useful in the cirrus parameterisations required as input to radiative transfer models and can be a complementary tool for satellite products that cannot provide cloud vertical structure. In addition, ground-based statistics of the cirrus properties could be useful in the validation and improvement of the corresponding derived products from satellite retrievals.

scholarly journals The roles of dynamical variability and aerosols in cirrus cloud formation

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1415-1451 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Kärcher ◽  
J. Ström
Keyword(s):  
Probability Distributions ◽  
Cirrus Clouds ◽  
Cloud Formation ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Ice Crystal ◽  
Mesoscale Variability ◽  
Aerosol Composition ◽  
Airborne Measurements ◽  
Cloud Properties

Abstract. The probability of occurrence of ice crystal number densities in young cirrus clouds is examined based on airborne measurements. The observations have been carried out at midlatitudes in both hemispheres at equivalent latitudes (~52–55° N/S) during the same season (local autumn in 2000). The in situ measurements considered in the present study include temperatures, vertical velocities, and ice crystal concentrations, the latter determined with high precision and accuracy using a counterflow virtual impactor. Most young cirrus clouds typically contain high number densities (1–10 cm−3) of small (diameter <20 μm) ice crystals. This mode dominates the probability distributions in both hemispheres and is shown to be caused by rapid cooling rates associated with updraft speeds in the range 10–100 cm s-1. A second mode containing larger crystals extends from ~1 cm−3 to low concentrations close to the detection threshold (~3×104cm−3) and is associated with lower updraft speeds. Results of a statistical analysis provide compelling evidence that the dynamical variability of vertical air motions on the mesoscale is the key factor determining the observed probability distributions of pristine ice crystal concentrations in cirrus. Other factors considered are variations of temperature as well as size, number, and ice nucleation thresholds of the freezing aerosol particles. The variability in vertical velocities is likely caused by atmospheric waves. Inasmuch as gravity waves are widespread, mesoscale variability in vertical velocities can be viewed as a universa  feature of young cirrus clouds. Large-scale models that do not account for this subgrid-scale variability yield erroneous predictions of the variability of basic cirrus cloud properties. Climate change may bring about changes in the global distribution of updraft speeds, mean air temperatures, and aerosol properties. As shown in this work, these changes could significantly modify the probability distribution of cirrus ice crystal concentrations. This study emphasizes the key role of vertical velocities and mesoscale variability in vertical velocities in controlling cirrus properties. The results suggest that, in any effort to ascribe cause to trends of cirrus cloud properties, a careful evaluation of dynamical changes in cloud formation should be done before conclusions regarding the role of other anthropogenic factors, such as changes in aerosol composition, are made.

Dynamic Processes in Cirrus Clouds: Concepts and Models

Cirrus ◽  
2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
David O’C. Starr ◽  
Markus Quante
Keyword(s):  
Cirrus Clouds ◽  
Radiative Properties ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Early Model ◽  
Minimum Requirement ◽  
Microphysical Properties ◽  
Cloud Properties ◽  
Cloud Models ◽  
New Concepts

Advancement in the understanding of cirrus clouds and their life cycle comes through symbiotic use of models, observations, and related concepts (fig. 18.1). Models of cirrus clouds represent an integration of our knowledge of cirrus cloud properties and processes. They provide a capacity to extend knowledge and enhance understanding in ways that complement existing observational capabilities. Models can be used to develop new theories, such as parameterizations, and focus science issues and observational requirements and developments. For example, early model results of Starr and Cox (1985a) and Starr (1987b) predicted that fine cellular structure (~lkm or less) would be found in the upper part of extended stratiform cirrus clouds. This prediction was confirmed when high-frequency sensors were deployed both for active remote sensing (Sassen et al. 1990a, 1995) and later for in-situ measurements (Quante and Brown 1992; Gultepe et al. 1995; Quante et al. 1996). Sampling rates of 10Hz, or better, are now accepted as a minimum requirement for resolving cirrus cloud internal structure and circulation where 1-Hz or coarser measurements were previously used. Similarly, discrepancies between observed cloud radiative properties and calculations (theory) based on corresponding in-situ observations of cloud microphysical properties (Sassen et al. 1990b) led to the development of improved observing capabilities for small ice crystals (Arnott et al. 1994; Miloshevich and Heymsfield 1997; Lawson et al. 1998). Such sensors are now regarded as part of the standard complement when doing in-situ microphysical measurements in cirrus. At the same time, observations are absolutely essential in developing and evaluating cloud models. No cloud modeler wants to apply a model or theory too far beyond the limits of what can be observationally confirmed, at least in gross terms. The third aspect of this triad is concepts. Although models and observations can lead to predictions or diagnosis of unexpected relationships, they are each limited by the concepts that were used in their design and/or implementation. In the end, new concepts arising from analogy to other phenomena and/or from synergistic integration of existing knowledge can lead to new understanding, new models, new instruments, and new sampling strategies (fig. 18.1). Chapter 17 focuses on observations of internal cloud circulation and structure.

Investigation of tropical cirrus cloud properties using ground based lidar measurements

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reji K. Dhaman ◽  
Malladi Satyanarayana ◽  
V. Krishnakumar ◽  
V. P. Mahadevan Pillai ◽  
G. S. Jayeshlal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Cloud Properties ◽  
Lidar Measurements ◽  
Ground Based Lidar

scholarly journals UV Raman lidar measurements of relative humidity for the characterization of cirrus cloud microphysical properties

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (22) ◽  
pp. 8799-8811 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Di Girolamo ◽  
D. Summa ◽  
R.-F. Lin ◽  
T. Maestri ◽  
R. Rizzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Cloud Model ◽  
Cirrus Clouds ◽  
Cloud Layer ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Raman Lidar ◽  
Heating Rates ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Microphysical Properties ◽  
Lidar Measurements

Abstract. Raman lidar measurements performed in Potenza by the Raman lidar system BASIL in the presence of cirrus clouds are discussed. Measurements were performed on 6 September 2004 in the frame of the Italian phase of the EAQUATE Experiment. The major feature of BASIL is represented by its capability to perform high-resolution and accurate measurements of atmospheric temperature and water vapour, and consequently relative humidity, both in daytime and night-time, based on the application of the rotational and vibrational Raman lidar techniques in the UV. BASIL is also capable to provide measurements of the particle backscatter and extinction coefficient, and consequently lidar ratio (at the time of these measurements, only at one wavelength), which are fundamental to infer geometrical and microphysical properties of clouds. A case study is discussed in order to assess the capability of Raman lidars to measure humidity in presence of cirrus clouds, both below and inside the cloud. While air inside the cloud layers is observed to be always under-saturated with respect to water, both ice super-saturation and under-saturation conditions are found inside these clouds. Upper tropospheric moistening is observed below the lower cloud layer. The synergic use of the data derived from the ground based Raman Lidar and of spectral radiances measured by the NAST-I Airborne Spectrometer allows the determination of the temporal evolution of the atmospheric cooling/heating rates due to the presence of the cirrus cloud. Lidar measurements beneath the cirrus cloud layer have been interpreted using a 1-D cirrus cloud model with explicit microphysics. The 1-D simulations indicate that sedimentation-moistening has contributed significantly to the moist anomaly, but other mechanisms are also contributing. This result supports the hypothesis that the observed mid-tropospheric humidification is a real feature which is strongly influenced by the sublimation of precipitating ice crystals. Results illustrated in this study demonstrate that Raman lidars, like the one used in this study, can resolve the spatial and temporal scales required for the study of cirrus cloud microphysical processes and appear sensitive enough to reveal and quantify upper tropospheric humidification associated with cirrus cloud sublimation.

scholarly journals Lidar Studies on The Optical Characteristics of High Altitude Cirrus Clouds at A Low Latitiude Station, Gadanki (13.5°N , 79.2°E ) India

2014 ◽  
Vol XL-8 ◽  
pp. 253-256
Author(s):  
G. S. Jayeshlal ◽  
M. Satyanarayana ◽  
G. S. Motty ◽  
R. K. Dhaman ◽  
V. Krishnakumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Radiation Effects ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Short Wave ◽  
Cirrus Clouds ◽  
Microphysical Properties ◽  
Cloud Properties ◽  
Radio Detection ◽  
Lidar Measurements

Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) which is analogous to Radio Detection And Ranging (RADAR), has become an important and unique technology for atmospheric research and applications. The technology is widely used for the remote sensing of the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, vegetation and the characteristics of Earth’s topography. Remote sensing of atmosphere, for its structure, composition and dynamics, is one of the proven applications of the lidar systems. More importantly the lidar technique is applied for the study of clouds, aerosols and minor constituents in the atmosphere. It provides the information on the above with good spatial and temporal resolutions and accuracy. The high altitude cirrus clouds which play an important role in the Earth’s radiative budget and global climate can be studied by using the LIDAR system. These clouds absorb long-wave outgoing radiation from Earth’s surface while reflecting part of the incoming short-wave solar radiation. Lidar measurements are useful in deriving the altitude, top height, bottom height and the optical properties of cirrus clouds, which are essential in understanding the cloud-radiation effects. The optical depth, the effective lidar ratio and the depolarization of the clouds are also derived by inverting the lidar signals from the cirrus clouds. In this paper we present the results on the lidar derived optical and microphysical properties of the cirrus clouds at a tropical station Gadanki (13.5&deg;N, 79.2&deg;E) India during two year period from 2009 to210. The seasonal variations of the cloud properties during the observation period are presented and discussed with reference to earlier period.

scholarly journals A decadal cirrus clouds climatology from ground-based and spaceborne lidars above the south of France (43.9° N–5.7° E)

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 6951-6963 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Hoareau ◽  
P. Keckhut ◽  
V. Noel ◽  
H. Chepfer ◽  
J.-L. Baray
Keyword(s):  
Observation Time ◽  
Cirrus Clouds ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Upper Troposphere ◽  
Cloud Parameters ◽  
Cloud Properties ◽  
Total Observation Time ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Ground Based Lidar ◽  
Total Observation

Abstract. This study provides an analysis of cirrus cloud properties at midlatitude in the southern part of France from ground-based and spaceborne lidars. A climatology of cirrus cloud properties and their evolution over more than 12 yr is presented and compared to other mid-latitude climatological studies. Cirrus clouds occur ~37% of the total observation time and remain quasi-constant across seasons with a variation within ~5% around the mean occurrence. Similar results are obtained from CALIOP and the ground-based lidar, with a mean difference in occurrence of ~5% between both instruments. From the ground-based lidar data, a slight decrease in occurrence of ~3% per decade is observed but found statistically insignificant. Based on a clustering analysis of cirrus cloud parameters, three distinct classes have been identified and investigations concerning their origin are discussed. Properties of these different classes are analysed, showing that thin cirrus in the upper troposphere represent ~50% of cloud cover detected in summer and fall, decreasing by 15–20% for other seasons.

scholarly journals Characteristics of aerosol and cloud particle size distributions in the tropical tropopause layer measured with optical particle counter and lidar

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (13) ◽  
pp. 3507-3518 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Iwasaki ◽  
K. Maruyama ◽  
M. Hayashi ◽  
S.-Y. Ogino ◽  
H. Ishimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Cirrus Clouds ◽  
Cirrus Cloud ◽  
Particle Counter ◽  
Tropical Tropopause Layer ◽  
Tropical Tropopause ◽  
Lidar Measurements ◽  
Optical Particle Counter

Abstract. An optical particle counter (OPC) is used in conjunction with lidar measurements to examine the characteristics of the particle size distribution in cirrus cloud in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) over Thailand where the TTL is defined as the height at which temperature is lower than −75°C in this paper. Of 11 OPC launches, cirrus cloud was detected at 10–15 km high on 7 occasions, cirrus was detected in the TTL in 6 cases, and simultaneous OPC and lidar measurements were made on two occasions. Comparison of lidar and OPC measurements reveal that the cloud heights of cirrus in the TTL varies by several hundred meters over distances of tens kilometers; hence the height is not always horizontally uniform. The mode radii of particles constituting the clouds are estimated by lidar and OPC measurements to be less than approximately 10 μm. The regression lines of the particle size distribution with and without cirrus cloud exhibit similar features at equivalent radii of <0.8 μm. Enhancement in the integrated number concentration at radii greater than 0.8 μm indicates that liquid particles tend to be frozen at a radius of 0.8 μm, with cirrus clouds above 10 km exhibiting similar features. On the other hand, enhancement in the particle size distribution at radii greater than 0.9 μm and a peak at around 0.8 μm in the ratio of the standard deviation of count values to that of the Poisson distribution of the averaged count values are common features of cirrus clouds in the TTL, where the ratio shows the vertical homogeneity of the particle number. These typical features suggest that the transition from liquid, sulfuric acid aerosol, to ice is more observable in the TTL and the timing of freezing may vary with height in the TTL.

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