Impact of smoke and non-smoke aerosols on radiation and low-level clouds over the southeast Atlantic from co-located satellite observations

Abstract. Data derived from instruments on board the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) CloudSat satellites as well meteorological parameters reanalysis are used to explore situations when moist aerosol layers overlie stratocumulus clouds over southeast Atlantic during biomass burning season (June October). To separate quantify impacts of loading, type, humidity radiative fluxes (including cloud top cooling), data split into different levels moisture loadings. The classification available CALIPSO products is compare contrast with pristine air, smoke, other (non-smoke) types aerosols. A substantial number cases non-smoke aerosols above found occur under similar conditions smoke cases. In contrast, meteorology substantially for situations, making a direct comparison ambiguous. content enhanced within layers, but relative does not always increase monotonously increasing optical depth. Shortwave (SW) heating rates plumes loading higher in compared However, there no clear correlation between changes SW absorption. Cloud cooling do show overlying due strong variability caused by factors (most notably temperature). No influence type or detected. Further, thermodynamic structure atmosphere nor height.