Aerosol and Cloud measurements by means of the M-55 Geophysica in the frame of theENVISAT Validation campaigns (July 2002 and October 2002)

摘要

The present paper outlines the aerosol and cloud flights performed by the high-altitude aircraft M55-rnGeophysica during July 2002 (Test and Validation campaign) and October 2002 (Mid-latitude validation campaign).rnThe rational behind the flight planning is discussed, together with the flight paths and indicative results. Data analysisrnfrom the first campaign (July) as well as preliminary results from the second campaign (October) show good internalrnconsistency between the various cloud and aerosol instruments and demonstrate the detection of aerosol layersrn(associated with Saharan dust outbreaks in the southern Mediterranean) and pronounced cloud formation (middle/highrnclouds). In that respect, level-2 aerosol/cloud products from Envisat (e.g. Cloud top, optical depth etc.) can be validatedrnwhen available.