Cloud Remote Sensing Exploratory Platform
Implemented and operated by SMHI
Cloud Remote Sensing operational (now located at Norunda)
Description of the infrastructure
This mobile Cloud Remote Sensing (CRS) Exploratory platform is operated by SMHI and delivers quality-controlled data to the ACTRIS Data Portal on selected cloud remote sensing parameters. These observations are needed both as ground-proofing data for satellite cloud remote sensing, and in support of model development for weather forecasting, climate predictions and cloud-aerosol interaction studies. It is currently deployed at the Norunda site, but can be moved to other ACTRIS Sweden sites.
Requirements for mandatory ACTRIS CRS are in the process of being revised and the supplied instruments are in line with proposed requirements for high latitude stations and satisfy CLOUDNET requirements:
i) a 94 GHZ doppler cloud radar with integrated 89 GHz microwave radiometer (installed at Norunda in the first half of 2019 (instrument owned by ESA and operated by SMHI),
ii) a ceilometer (preexisting at the atmospheric ICOS Sweden atmospheric stations at Norunda, Hyltemossa, Svartberget and at the oceanic station Östergarnsholm as well as at Zeppelin) and
iii) a disdrometer needed for cloud radar calibration (owned by ESA and operated by SMHI). The Doppler Cloud Radar is supplied by ESA with the primary goal of verification and validation of cloud products from the EARTHCARE satellite after its launch 2022. ESA strongly encourages integration of the radar in an ACTRIS context to ensure long-term measurements and availability of data. Ceilometer or lidar data is required to complete the cloud parameter retrievals.
The CRS unit is operated by Station PI Salomon Eliasson.