Validation of Cloud Microphysical Retrievals from Surface- and Satellite-Based Measurements Obtained During the Fall of 96 Penn State Aircraft Experiment

Comparisons with aircraft in situ measurements are critically needed to quantify the uncertainties in Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) surface-and satellite-band retrievals of cloud properties. During the fall of 1996, measurements were made from a ground-based remote sensing site in central Pennsylvania in conjunction with University of Wyoming King Air aircraft flights over the area. The goal of this experiment was to validate groundand satellite-based retrievals of cloud droplet effective radius, number concentration, and cloud liquid water content (LWC) using in situ aircraft measurements. This paper reports the results of one case study of an extended continental stratus cloud that was intensively sampled and observed by the aircraft and ground-based remote sensors and aircraft in situ instruments during the experiment on October 24, 1996. The comparison of these results provides more data for assessing the uncertainties in the remotely sensed parameters over the ARM sites.