Synergistic use of ground-based multi-instrument platforms and satellite recordings to investigate the aerosol-cloud-dynamic interaction in Cyprus
Journal
International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences - ISPRS Archives
Date Issued
July 31, 2025
Abstract
This study demonstrates the capability of the Cyprus Atmospheric Remote Sensing Observatory (CARO) to investigate aerosol
cloud–dynamic interactions through synergistic measurements from ground-based and satellite platforms. Co-located lidar and radar
systems, including the PollyXT multi-wavelength Raman-polarization lidar and the MIRA-35 Doppler cloud radar, were combined
with satellite observations from the ATLID instrument aboard EarthCARE. A case study on 17–18 March 2025 revealed a lofted
Saharan dust layer descending from approximately 6 km to 2 km altitude, followed by the formation of an ice-precipitating
altocumulus cloud deck between 4 and 7 km. Radar reflectivity, Doppler velocity, and spectral width profiles confirmed hydrometeor
sedimentation, vertical cloud layering, and virga signatures. CloudNet classification indicated mixed-phase conditions and potential
aerosol–cloud interactions driven by mineral dust acting as ice-nucleating particles. In parallel, ATLID captured a regional-scale dust
event on 4–5 March 2025, clearly resolving two distinct dust layers and an overlying cirrus layer. Lidar ratios and depolarization
values from ATLID were consistent with ground-based PollyXT measurements. These results highlight the value of multi-instrument
synergy in characterizing complex atmospheric processes and affirm CARO’s strategic role in satellite validation activities within the
Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East and North Africa (EMMENA) region.
cloud–dynamic interactions through synergistic measurements from ground-based and satellite platforms. Co-located lidar and radar
systems, including the PollyXT multi-wavelength Raman-polarization lidar and the MIRA-35 Doppler cloud radar, were combined
with satellite observations from the ATLID instrument aboard EarthCARE. A case study on 17–18 March 2025 revealed a lofted
Saharan dust layer descending from approximately 6 km to 2 km altitude, followed by the formation of an ice-precipitating
altocumulus cloud deck between 4 and 7 km. Radar reflectivity, Doppler velocity, and spectral width profiles confirmed hydrometeor
sedimentation, vertical cloud layering, and virga signatures. CloudNet classification indicated mixed-phase conditions and potential
aerosol–cloud interactions driven by mineral dust acting as ice-nucleating particles. In parallel, ATLID captured a regional-scale dust
event on 4–5 March 2025, clearly resolving two distinct dust layers and an overlying cirrus layer. Lidar ratios and depolarization
values from ATLID were consistent with ground-based PollyXT measurements. These results highlight the value of multi-instrument
synergy in characterizing complex atmospheric processes and affirm CARO’s strategic role in satellite validation activities within the
Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East and North Africa (EMMENA) region.
Funding
This study supported by the ‘EXCELSIOR’: ERATOSTHENES: EΧcellence Research Centre for Earth Surveillance and Space-Based Monitoring of the Environment H2020 Widespread Teaming project (www.excelsior2020.eu) and the EVID39 CORAL project as part of the CAL/VAL EarthCARE activities. The ‘EXCELSIOR’ project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 857510, from the Government of the Republic of Cyprus through the Directorate General for the European Programmes, Coordination and Development and the Cyprus University of Technology.
The authors also acknowledge the ATARRI project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Twinning Call (HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-02) under the grant agreement No 101160258.
Disclaimer: The present work includes preliminary data (not fully calibrated/validated and not yet publicly released) of the EarthCARE mission that is developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The analysis has been performed in the context of the EarthCARE Validation Team.
The authors also acknowledge the ATARRI project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Twinning Call (HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-02) under the grant agreement No 101160258.
Disclaimer: The present work includes preliminary data (not fully calibrated/validated and not yet publicly released) of the EarthCARE mission that is developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The analysis has been performed in the context of the EarthCARE Validation Team.
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