ESA-JAXA Pre-Launch EarthCARE
Validation Workshop Report
EC-RP-ESA-SYS-1500

Frascati, Italy
15-17 November 2023

1

Table of Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3
2. Lessons Learned ................................................................................................................. 5
3. Best Practices ...................................................................................................................... 7
4. PI project talks .................................................................................................................... 9
5. Airborne and shipborne campaigns .................................................................................. 16
6. Networks ........................................................................................................................... 24
7. ESA validation tools and logistics .................................................................................... 29
8. Panel discussion ................................................................................................................ 31
Annex A: Mapping of Projects to PI Talks .............................................................................. 34
Annex B: Validation Workshop Programme ............................................................................ 37

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1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction by Robin Hogan (ECMWF), and Hajime Okamoto (Kyushu
University) – co-chairs of the Joint EarthCARE Mission Advisory Group
EarthCARE is ready for its launch in May 2024, and is eagerly awaited by the many communities inthe various scientific disciplines that it will serve. Single-instrument and synergistic retrievals from its
Dopplerised 94 GHz radar (CPR), its high-spectral-resolution 355 nm lidar (ATLID), its Multi-Spectral
Imager (MSI) and its Broad Band Radiometer (BBR), are expected to enable advances in theunderstanding of clouds, precipitation, aerosols, radiation and their interactions in the atmosphere.
Three hundred participants gathered on-site and online for the ESA-JAXA pre-launch EarthCARE
science and validation workshop held from 13 to 17 November 2023 in Frascati. The workshop wasorganised around two focal areas, namely science and validation. Although both these aspects arestrongly connected, the presentations were grouped so that those with a science focus were addressedin the first half of the workshop week, and those predominantly focusing on validation addressed in thesecond half of the workshop week. This present report summarises the validation-focused part of theworkshop, and a separate report is in preparation for the science part. The validation workshop aimed
to foster collaborations between the EarthCARE validation teams, including in particular collaboration
between teams evaluating ESA and those evaluating JAXA products. It also sought to engage a wider
community to join EarthCARE validation activities, and to review the status of validation projects thatare underway including identification of gaps. A special focus of the workshop was the collaborationon the various post-launch campaigns, including synergy with those organised for other missions. A
further aim was to discuss validation methods and lessons learned, and to identify best practices. Last
but not least, the workshop presented the last opportunity to come together for preparations for the
execution of the validation plan, including organization of the validation analyses. A total of 71 oralpresentations were given, and 49 poster presentations and 6 validation support tools were exhibited.The
workshop presentations can be downloaded fromhttps://www.earthcare-science-validation-2023.org/programme
and the posters fromhttps://www.earthcare-science-validation-2023.org/postersdemos.

1.2 Introduction presentation of validation workshop – Rob Koopman
Validation sessions were organized into oral, poster, and demo presentations. The topics covered inthose presentations are reflected in the table of contents of this report. PI project oral presentations wereaccompanied by posters. The time allocation for talks followed a general guideline: PIs who had alreadypresented their project at the 1st and 2nd validation workshops were allocated a 5-min talk and a poster
presentation. New PIs were allocated a 10-min talk and a poster, whereas prospective PIs were allocateda 10-min oral presentation. Talks under the themes of networks and campaigns were allocated 12 mineach. Presentations on tools were mainly demonstrated at demo booths and each was highlighted in a
5-min talk.
The commissioning timeline for each instrument on EarthCARE is still being refined. Correlative
measurements to validate an EarthCARE instrument can take place as soon as "stable" nominal mode
Level 0 products are generated for this instrument, well before L1 product release. Validation teams
will be kept informed. Current planned sequence of stable nominal (NOM) mode operations: CPR,
BBR, ATLID, MSI.
EarthCARE reference orbit has been specified as a system requirement but leaves one free parameter:
the longitudinal shift of the entire orbit pattern. This is parameterised as the longitude of the Ascending
Node Crossing of the first orbit of the repeat cycle (ANXLon). The reference orbit is theoretical; theactual orbit will vary East and West of this reference and it will be maintained within a deadband of 253km at each side of the reference orbit. It is intended to select a value for the free orbit parameter(ANXLon) a priori to support validation sites coverage planning, this selection process is ongoing andvalidation teams will be informed of the outcome.
After the launch, validation teams will be continuously informed of EarthCARE news affecting theirplanning and analysis. ESA and JAXA are setting up technical information flow covering the four
EarthCARE instruments. PIs are requested to submit progress reports on data acquisition andintercomparisons, to present at validation workshops (the initial results workshop is split into 3 parts
matching the staggered public release schedule). Publications using pre-operational data (i.e. data thatare not released to the public) need prior authorisation and a clarification statement.

1.3 ESA validation introduction – Rob Koopman
ESA validation-related activities can be grouped into three categories: 1) organisation for pre-launchand correlative measurements, 2) fostering of validation collaboration and coordination, and 3)
initiating and supporting the development of methods and approaches.
ESA validation approaches include airborne campaigns, network intercomparison, satellite-satelliteintercomparison, and data assimilation, all of which will continue during the entire mission lifetime,covering various geophysical and meteorological conditions. ESA pursues various airborne campaign
opportunities, including home-based EarthCARE underflights.
ESA validation team consists of 40 PIs (currently) and is still growing in size. The proposed projects of
ESA PIs cover validation of different geophysical parameters and is shown in the tabular/matrix form
on dedicated posters. Various support tools and facilities are prepared for the validation teams and arepresented in detail in ESA tools and logistics session.

1.4 JAXA validation introduction – Toshiyuki Tanaka
JAXA validation approach is composed of networks, campaigns and spaceborne measurements. JAXA
validation team has collaboration and coordination activities including campaigns, networks, and bestpractice activities. Examples of networks include AD-Net (lidar network), WINDAS (wind profiler
network), SAVERNET, SKYNET, AERONET, NIED Ka-band radars, All-sky cameras, BSRN, and
GEBA.
Ground observation campaigns are located mainly in Koganei validation supersite, with instruments
such as Doppler cloud radars, HSRL lidar, and wind profiler. The airborne campaign will be performedin collaboration with DLR.
Web pages and tools are being developed to monitor EarthCARE data, including quicklooks, orbit
prediction, orbit search, etc. English version of these sites will be available.
EarthCARE product validation is highly challenging, so collaboration is indispensable.

42. Lessons Learned
Chaired by L. Baldini, K. Suzuki
Secretaries: S. Rusli, T. Tanaka
No
1
2
3
4
5

Title

Speaker

Looking Back on Lessons Learned from CALIPSO Validation
Lessons learnt from Aeolus Cal/Val
Lessons learned from the GCOM-C(Shikisai)/SGLI cloud
observations
Validation activities for dual-frequency precipitation radar(DPR) onboard GPM core observatory
Introduction to EarthCARE DISC

Dave Winker
Sebastian Bley
Takashi Y.
Nakajima
Nobuhiro
Takahashi
Timon Hummel

1. Looking Back on Lessons Learned from CALIPSO Validation – Dave Winker
The concept of “Validation” adopted in CALIPSO is quite a broad one, including verification of
instrument performance (calibration, signal-to-noise ratio, linearity of the response), geolocation(pointing, altitude), accuracy and precision of L2 data, and examination of assumptions in the retrieval
algorithms; uncertainty of estimates also need validation. The CALIPSO Science Validation Plan(released in 2004) included different resources, such as ground-based networks, satellite comparisons,targeted aircraft campaigns, and large field campaigns.
Owing to such plans, several unexpected problems were discovered: orbit drift in 1064 channel
calibration, ranging error in speed of light (rounding up to 3e8 m/s), excess PMT noise in the South
Atlantic Anomaly. Early validation of L1 profiles were critical and deserved dedicated airborne
campaigns after launch. With many underflights (mostly in the eastern US, with no global coverage), it
was possible to aggregate statistics and get histogram of the distribution function of sensitivities,
variability of lidar ratio for different aerosol types. A major issue with validation using ground networks
was the time needed to acquire a sufficient collection of matched observations: for example, 5-6 years
were needed to get enough sample from AERONET-CALIPSO spatial matching for statisticallysignificant comparisons.
Validation of truth is not always available (actually “truth” is an elusive concept). In the very first stages,
simple consistency checks using satellite data are useful, and visual inspection can identify non-physicalresults. Assimilation could help with the validation of uncertainties. A difficult validation problem
encountered was related to latitudinal (intra-orbital) and seasonal (intra-annual) biases. It was mitigatedin different evolution steps of the algorithms.
2. Lessons learnt from Aeolus Cal/Val – Sebastian Bley
Aeolus satellite carried just one large instrument- a Doppler lidar that measured for the first time profilesof the Earth’s wind over a global scale. The mission exceeded expectations in terms of scientific impact
and duration of the mission, and produced key observations to improve weather and climate models.
The Cal/Val program played a fundamental role in Aeolus success. Several issues were fixed over theyears and mitigated through reprocessing of data. In performing Cal/Val activities,
communication/interaction among validation, science, NWP, industry, and mission experts is important.
So are regular updates (e.g. information when new product versions become available) for validation
teams (six months updates can be recommended). The importance of an effective communication
platform to facilitate and trigger discussion among the validation teams was highlighted.
Early preliminary data provision to the validation teams (after 3 months into commissioning phase)took place although there were several issues with the product quality. Feedback from Cal/Val teams
helped to decide about data to be released later to all users. Joint validation campaigns with instrumented
aircrafts allowing analysis over larger areas were performed. Continuous validation is essential during

5the lifetime of the mission and after the end of the mission. Validation is also required for the
reprocessed datasets. Along with the mission, reports collected from the validation community with aregular schedule (every 6 months) were very helpful. Listening to recommendations from validation
teams is important. On the other hand, validation teams should be properly informed when to measure
as not everyone is familiar with orbit tools; overpass tables are a good alternative.
3. Lessons learned from the GCOM-C(Shikisai)/SGLI cloud observations – Takashi Y. Nakajima
The purpose of GCOM (Global Change Observation Mission) is the global, long-term, observation ofEarth’s environment and it is expected to play an important role in monitoring both global water
circulation and climate change. The GCOM-C/SGLI instrument has 19 bands with 1400 km swath,
which are similar bands to the EarthCARE MSI. Several methods were used for Cal/Val. The validationof the satellite-derived cloud flag using ground-based sky cameras was challenging. Clouds weredetected using cameras even at nighttime in the city of Tokyo because of the background light and thatwas useful for validation. Water and ice cloud properties derived from SGLI were compared andevaluated with MODIS, demonstrating that satellite-satellite comparison is useful in the early phase of
the mission. Lessons learned for EarthCARE are that more ground validation stations are needed due
to narrower swath of MSI compared with SGLI and to validate cloud top heights using ATLID.
4. Validation activities for dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) onboard GPM coreobservatory – Nobuhiro Takahashi
The Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) is a scanning radar using two frequencies, at Ka and Kuband to obtain relevant 3-D information on rain and snow profiles. The aim of this instrument is also toserve as reference for calibration of a constellation of satellites equipped with microwave radiometers.
To calibrate DPR, both internal and external calibrations are performed. External calibration uses ARC(Active Radar Calibrator) for overall performance of the radar (echo power, 10 times per year).
Normalized sea surface backscattering cross section (s0) is used for long-term monitoring. Statistics ofs0 will be available for EarthCARE CPR, although a careful treatment is needed to remove the effect ofsea surface wind, because CPR is nadir-looking radar. Validation approaches include rainfall intensity
using rain gauges, (accuracy of about 12%), weather radar products, or the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor(MRMS) product, snowfall estimation (using radar and in-situ measurements) and precipitation
microphysics using disdrometers and radar profilers like the 24-GHz micro rain radars. Specificcampaigns were conducted targeting solid precipitation and snow.
As a result of recent development projects, two new devices namely Rainscope (a balloon-borne opticalsensor able to reveal the shape and fall velocity of particles) and PAWR & MP-PAWR (Multi Parameter
Phased Array Weather Radar) are also used for matching colocation in space and time. Similarly to
GPM-CloudSat matchup data, a GPM-EarthCARE collocated dataset will be created in the future foruse in the validation of EarthCARE. In summary, a statistical approach is needed for precise calibrationand validation that is reflected in the Cal/Val plan for EarthCARE/CPR.
5. Introduction to EarthCARE DISC – Timon Hummel
DISC activities will start in the phase E2 (6 months after the launch onwards). Data Innovation andScience Cluster (DISC) activities are focused on sensor performance, products and algorithm (SPPA)
at ESRIN. These include the improvements of the products and the development of new products(processor evolution and maintenance), internal Cal/Val, community interactions, development of tools,
data assimilation coordination. The objective is to provide users with the best possible product quality.
DISC is the central element in product evolution cycle. Organization of airborne validation campaigns
does not fall under DISC tasks/responsibilities.

63. Best Practices
Chaired by D. Winker, N. Takahashi
Secretaries: R. Koopman, T. Hummel, V. Tzallas
No
1
2
3

Title

SpeakerDefining validation protocols for space-borne aerosol and cloud Vassilis Amiridis
profile products
Representativity of air- and spaceborne radar-lidar measurements
Florian Ewald
Near real-time validation of EarthCARE observations through Mark Fielding
monitoring within a data assimilation system

1. Defining validation protocols for space-borne aerosol and cloud profile products – Vassilis
Amiridis
Validation of high-vertical-resolution aerosol and cloud profiling missions are unique because of thenarrow footprint, the small correlation length of the features, the need for in-situ microphysicalobservations, and the large diversity of the data products. To avoid data gaps becoming knowledge gaps,
a large community of (>80) scientists involved in the validation of the CALIPSO, Cloudsat, GPM,
Aeolus, EarthCARE, and AOS missions, in collaboration with ESA, NASA, JAXA, and EUMETSAT,
has begun the process of converging on a CEOS common practice protocol for the validation of aerosol,
cloud, and precipitation profiles. The protocol, and several of the accompanying open-source tools that
implement the common practices for simulation of orbital radiances from suborbital observations, areon target for release of a first draft by Q1 2024, with a final protocol by the end of 2024 with guidance
for the (by then) in-orbit mission EarthCARE, the future missions AOS and Aeolus 2, and the candidate
mission WIVERN. As part of the convergence process, three studies on open issues analysing historical
data are underway, namely assessment of spatiotemporal representativity of ground stations, validationof lidar attenuated backscatter from the ground, and validation of Doppler products from dualpolarization weather radar observations.
2. Representativity of air- and spaceborne radar-lidar measurements – Florian Ewald
This study focused on three aspects of intercomparison of cloud-related parameters, namely thedifferences between orbital and airborne sampling, the differences between the A-train (DARDAR) andthe EarthCARE (CAPTIVATE) retrieval algorithms, and finally the differences in statisticalrepresentativity between orbital and airborne retrievals. For the airborne samples, the WALES 532nm
HSRL and the MIRA 35GHz radar on the German HALO research aircraft were used and comparedwith Cloudsat and CALIPSO. Collocated measurements during the NARVAL campaign showed similarsensitivities between orbital and airborne, yet lower resolution and higher noise for the orbital
observations. The effect on retrievals is that those from orbital data miss the fine-scale structures that
retrievals on airborne data can capture. In a statistical sense, the distribution of orbital retrievals isnarrower for ice-water content and effective particle radii. The intercomparison between DARDAR and
CAPTIVATE was performed on A-train datasets, hence without utilising the HSRL and Doppler, andSolar radiance handling capabilities of the latter. Both algorithms have similar results for thick clouds,
with larger differences for effective radii in cirrus. Statistical intercomparison of IWC from collocated
HALO retrievals with A-Train retrievals showed the A-Train to be missing sensitivity for thin clouds
and having slightly higher IWCs at higher temperatures.
3. Near real-time validation of EarthCARE observations through monitoring within a data
assimilation system – Mark Fielding
The presenter showed the potential of monitoring EarthCARE observations against NWP data. The
ECMWF Integrated Forecast System model is now equipped with a suite of observation operators for7EarthCARE simulations. The importance of monitored observational data for data assimilation was
highlighted since it allows for a thorough assessment of the quality of the observations. In addition,
monitored observations against NWP data provide a swift detection of potential instrument issues byremoving the day-to-day variability. Examples of such applications were discussed by contrasting
CloudSat measurements to the ECMWF model. Small calibration changes or changes in the bias were
easily and quickly identified. Regarding EarthCARE, it was mentioned that two downlink stations
would be adequate to account for delays in the processing chain. Near real-time validation of CPR radarreflectivity and ATLID channels, which will be carried out by ECMWF during the commissioning
phase, is at the final stages. Updates on RTTOV and CRTM will facilitate the simulation of EarthCARE
data from more operational centres.

84. PI project talks
PI talks that are summarized in this section were presented in various sessions with different chairs andsecretaries:
•
•
•
•
•

Best Practice and PI Talks, Chairs: D. Winker, N. Takahashi (Secretaries: R. Koopman, T.
Hummel, V. Tzallas)
Accepted and prospective PI Talks, Chairs: N. Clerbaux, Y. Ohno (Secretaries: A. Velazquez,
T. Tanaka)
Tools, Logistics and prospective PI talks, Chairs: H. Baars, E. Marinou (Secretaries: M.
Eisinger, A. Velazquez)
Networks and PI Talks 1, Chairs: L. Baldini, T. Nishizawa (Secretaries: H. Baars, T. Tanaka)
Networks and PI Talks 2, Chairs: U. Wandinger, T. Y. Nakajima (Secretaries: E. Marinou, T.
Hummel, V. Tzallas)

The full list of PI names, IDs, talk titles and where the talk summaries can be found in this document,
is provided in the Annex A.
The list of PI talks (including prospective PIs) covered in this section is shown in the following table.
Note that the name of the speaker is indicated here, which in some cases is a Co-Investigator
representing the PI.

No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

12
13
14
15

Title
Physical validation of EarthCARE Products

Speaker
Chandra V
Chandrasekar
Validation of EarthCARE doppler with Chinese cloud radar network, Haoran Li
and retrievals with tropical triple-frequency radars
Validate Cloud Profiling Radar on EarthCARE against Aircraft Vaughan Phillips
Observations of Cirriform Cloud
Statistically Based Calibration/Validation Control of ATLID L1 data Artem Feofilov
Development and Validation of the Japanese EarthCARE 4-sensor Akira Yamauchi
standard algorithm for radiation fluxes
Aerosol optical properties and validation plan by using Sky Kazuma Aoki
radiometer
Validation Plan for CPR ECO Product
Hiroaki Horie
GIVE - the German Initiative for the Validation of EarthCARE
Ulla Wandinger
AVE-ECARE: validation and evaluation of EarthCARE aerosol Larisa Sogacheva
products
Norwegian initiative for EarthCARE Validation of Aerosol Kerstin Stebel
uncertainties and Radiation products in the Arctic (NEVAR)
Extinction
validation
fromUmweltforschungsstation Thomas Popp
Schneefernerhaus (UFS) - a proposal for additional validation
measurements
EMORAL lidar observations for EarthCARE Cal/Val Activities and Iwona S.
beyondStachlewska
Validation for the EarthCARE observations with use of spaceborne Guangyao Dai
lidar ACDL and ground-based lidar-net over China
Validation studies of L2 cloud products by CPR, CPR-ATLID and Hajime Okamoto
CPR-ATLID-MSI
EarthCARE validation activities in Finland
Dmitri Moisseev

9

15

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

An Italian coordinated contribution to the Validation of EarthCARE Gianluigi Liberti
products from three atmospheric observatories in the Central
Mediterranean Sea
CORAL - Cyprus Observations for EarthCare vALidation
Rodanthi Elisavet
Mamouri
Validation plan for EarthCARE/CPR using scanning Ka-band cloud Tadayasu Ohigashi
radar
EarthCARE BBR L1 and L2 Products Assessment
Nicolas Clerbaux
Preparation for the validation of EarthCARE Product in China
Xuan Wang
Assessment of the environmental conditions for the generation of ice Hajime Okamoto
particle types from A-train observations
LITES: cal/val with lidar in Hatfield, UK
Rui Song
Validation of ATLID lidar data by means of ground-based lidar Peter Völger
measurements in northern Sweden
Cabauw Lidar observations for ATLID L1 and L2a product David Donovan
evaluation
Updates for the Cabauw activities for EarthCARE evaluation Arnoud Apituley(CECARE)
Validation of the EarthCARE ATLID and MSI products using Tomoaki Nishizawa
ground-based lidar and sunphotometry measurements

1. Physical validation of EarthCARE Products – Chandra V Chandrasekar
The project aims at validation of CPR L2a products using ground-based dual polarization radars, fromthe Finnish network, the Nexrad network and CSU and NASA radars, with a particular focus on oriented
ice crystals (strong depolarizing particles).
2. Validation of EarthCARE doppler with Chinese cloud radar network, and retrievals withtropical triple-frequency radars – Haoran Li
This prospective project would involve Chinese cloud/precipitation radar network with 200 stations,and a triple-frequency tropical radar. For doppler validation, the use of Ka band is proposed.
3. Validate Cloud Profiling Radar on EarthCARE against Aircraft Observations of Cirriform
Cloud – Vaughan Phillips
The speaker discussed the method for validating CPR data against observations from aircrafts for
cirriform clouds. The issue of the intense and lengthy planning of campaigns was highlighted, while thesolution of applying for funding to the Swedish Space Agency (SNSA) and seeking suitable aircraft
campaigns after launch was proposed.
4. Statistically Based Calibration/Validation Control of ATLID L1 data – Artem Feofilov
The presenter proposed 11 quality control parameters for ATLID L1 data and their feasibility was tested
by applying them to CALIOP observations. The algorithm will be adapted for ATLID and it will allow
for a quality control on a daily basis offering a set of daily scattering ratio histograms. In addition, a
web interface offering a dynamic update of quality control results will be delivered. Lastly, the speakerhinted as future work the extension of the cloud merging technique, which was used for combined datafrom CALIPSO and Aeolus, to ATLID.

105. Development and Validation of the Japanese EarthCARE 4-sensor standard algorithm forradiation fluxes – Akira Yamauchi
The validation of the EarthCARE 4-sensor standard product is being developed using A-Train data as atest bed for EarthCARE. Cloud information is obtained from CLOUDSAT, CALIPSO and MODIS,
aerosols from CALIPSO and meteorological data from ECMWF. Comparisons with CERES TOA
fluxes will be done monthly at a 5º resolution by using radiative transfer calculations. Comparisonswith surface fluxes will be performed using BSRN data.
6. Aerosol optical properties and validation plan by using Sky radiometer – Kazuma Aoki
This proposal focuses on ground validation of optical thickness of aerosol and cloud. Observations witha sky radiometer (http://skyrad.sci.u-toyama.ac.jp) are available with a high temporal resolution during
daytime. Long-term record of aerosol optical properties is available since 2017 until now, showing theseasonal cycle at the Japan site.
7. Validation plan for CPR ECO Product – Hiroaki Horie
The validation of the CPR L1 and L2 products will be performed using a 94 Ghz ground-based radar.
Several very-well instrumented sites are proposed, looking forward to adjoining satellite overpasses ofthe sites. Instrumentation includes W-band radar, several lidars (NICT, NIES, TMU and Kyushu-U), a
microwave radiometer, wind profiler and sky-camera. External calibration (ARC) and sea surface
calibration will be used for the CPR L1 calibration evaluation.
8. GIVE - the German Initiative for the Validation of EarthCARE – Ulla Wandinger
GIVE is a very comprehensive proposal for the validation of most of the EarthCARE products. Many
scientists are involved in this holistic approach that includes cross-satellite validation, airborne
campaigns, the use of mobile platforms, global networks and stationary observations, 4D-variableassimilation, etc. An update of the new stations and upgraded ones is presented: 1. Mindelo in Cape
Verde, ACTRIS aerosol and cloud remote sensing, fully operational since October 2023, 2. Melpitz inGermany, instrumentation will be moved from Leipzig to Melpitz in spring 2024 and 3. Limassol in
Cyprus to be upgraded in spring 2024 (in collaboration with Eratosthenes Center of Excellence). In
addition, the new opportunities such as ATMO-ACCESS pilot project and the validation with ACTRIS
network stations were introduced. New campaign opportunities, such as PERCUSION and BOWTIE,
as well as the HALO South and GoSouth-II 2025 campaigns were also envisioned.
9. AVE-ECARE: validation and evaluation of EarthCARE aerosol products – Larisa Sogacheva
The AVE-ECARE is a newly accepted Cal/Val activity in Finland. It aims to validate EarthCARE
aerosol products, such as, the ATLID aerosol parameters and layer descriptors, MSI aerosol optical
thickness, ATLID / MSI aerosol column descriptor, ATLID / CPR/ MSI composite product, etc. To thisend, different measurements will be used, i.e, MODIS, MIRS, TROPOMI, PACE and aerosol layerheight. AERONET and aerosol products from satellite will be used as reference. The validation protocol
is being finalized. AOD analysis per station and stability is suggested. Latitudinal effects, instrument
geometry and surface reflectance effects will also be investigated.
10. Norwegian initiative for EarthCARE Validation of Aerosol uncertainties and Radiation
products in the Arctic (NEVAR) – Kerstin Stebel
NEVAR is another recently accepted Cal/Val activity that started in November 2022. This ground-based
remote sensing project is divided in two phases: the first one comprises an inventory of the
instrumentation and institutional capabilities in the Arctic and Antarctica; the second phase includes theaerosol uncertainties evaluation. The global evaluations / validations of L2 Aerosol Optical Thickness

11

will be performed against AERONET/MAN. The evaluation of the radiation products, to be done after
launch, will be carried out by comparing BBR data against simulated data for selected locations in the
Arctic, using MYSTIC radiative transfer model for both1D and 3D geometries.
11. Extinction validation from Umweltforschungsstation Schneefernerhaus (UFS) - a proposal for
additional validation measurements – Thomas Popp
Thomas Popp introduced a proposal to use regular UAV measurements/flights around the UFS (at2650m) in the Zugspitze for the validation of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and aerosol properties andextinction profiles. Measuring with a wet aerosol spectrometer in the atmosphere will allow directcomparison to EarthCARE extinction profiles in the ambient atmosphere. Implementation is planned
from 2024. Note that this is a prospective Cal/Val activity, not officially submitted to ESA.
12. EMORAL lidar observations for EarthCARE Cal/Val Activities and beyond – Iwona S.
Stachlewska
The presentation included a detailed description of the ESA MObile RAman Lidar instrumentation andupgrades in the last 5 years. The new functionalities such as the broadband fluorescence and water vapor
measurements together with wavelength-dependent polarization, backscattering and extinction
coefficients can provide quality-assured high-level data products. The EMORAL lidar, fullyautonomous and mobile, is foreseen to serve as one of the core ESA assets for the upcoming EarthCARE
Cal/Val activities. An intercomparison with an ACTRIS reference lidar is scheduled in the frame of
ATMO ACCESS.
13. Validation for the EarthCARE observations with use of spaceborne lidar ACDL and groundbased lidar-net over China – Guangyao Dai
The objective is to use the measurements from the first Chinese spaceborne lidar, ACDL/DQ-1,
launched April 2022, ground-based Raman lidars and Doppler wind lidars to validate the observations
from the ATLID instrument on EarthCARE. The ACDL/DQ-1, measuring at 532 nm and equipped withhigh spectral resolution and depolarization channels, is expected to precisely detect the threedimensional distribution of aerosol and cloud globally with high spatial-temporal resolutions. The data
products from ACDL/DQ-1 could be used for comparison with ATLID data after wavelength
conversion. A high interest in the Chinese data was expressed! In addition, the onshore and offshore
lidar network over China, with the use of multi-wavelength polarization Raman lidars, mass flux lidars,
and Doppler wind lidars will provide the vertical profiles of the aerosols and thin clouds over theirlocations to be used for the validation of ATLID measurements.
14. Validation studies of L2 cloud products by CPR, CPR-ATLID and CPR-ATLID-MSI – Hajime
OkamotoAn analysis of possible issues related to direct comparison under overpasses were highlighted, focusing
on temporal and spatial matching. Satellite data from JAXA heritage used in past studies (e.g. TRMM,
AMSR-E, MODIS) can be used for IWP, LWP and optical thickness statistical comparison. Validation
can rely on ground-based instruments at the super site at NICT Tokyo that includes 355nm wind lidar,
coherent 2um wind lidar, 94Ghz radars, etc. Example of 1-year statistics comparing Doppler velocity
was shown with particular attention to the Doppler processing for aliasing. In order to check frequency
distribution of the upward vertical velocity, vertical velocity of L-band wind profiler at Yonagunijima,
Kumagaya, Mito and Minamidaitojima are examined.
15. EarthCARE validation activities in Finland – Dmitri Moisseev
A short overview of activities is provided regarding correlative validation, physical validation, anddirect validation of Doppler measurements. Two Finnish ACTRIS cloud profiling stations and the FMI

12

weather radar network are foreseen to be used for correlative validation. Different methods should beapplied to different products. The Hyytiälä observatory can play an important role in validating L2cloud and precipitation products and in physical validation of ice microphysics (observations of PSD,
v(D), particle shape, precipitation rate, retrieved m(D)). There are plans to estimate attenuation and rainfrom disdrometers and cloud radar data. An important topic concerns the lack of IWC estimates above
rain because of unknown attenuation at 94GHz. A further topic is the use of dual polarization
observations and their link to raindrop sizes and fall velocities.
16. An Italian coordinated contribution to the Validation of EarthCARE products from threeatmospheric observatories in the Central Mediterranean Sea – Gianluigi Liberti
The validation project involves three main sites (Rome, Rome suburbs and the Mediterranean island of
Lampedusa). Addition of new instruments and upgrades from the latest presentation were provided andthe funding from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) through the EC-VALMED.IT were secured for 20242026. The presentation highlights recent science advancements in characterizing sites andrepresentativeness of measurements and matchup (www.eumetsat.int/characterisation-candidate-ocsvc-sites-lampedusa - Liberti et al 2000, Bracci et al 2023). The diversity in sites and instrumentation
allows to exploit the expertise of the team in synergistic processing, statistical comparisons, and total
radiation balance.
17. CORAL - Cyprus Observations for EarthCare vALidation – Rodanthi Elisavet Mamouri
Cyprus is a region known for its complex atmospheric environment as it is affected by haze and smoke,anthropogenic pollution, Saharan and Middle East dust. Validation consortium consists of Erastothenes
Center of Excellence and CARE-C (Climate and Atmosphere Research Center) of the Cyprus Institute.
They will focus on validation of EarthCARE aerosols and cloud products over Cyprus using Raman/polarization lidar and radar instruments in Limassol, ceilometer, sun photometers, and in-situ
instruments (optical particle counters, impactors, backscattersonde) onboard UAVs. The validated
aerosol and clouds products will then be utilized in RTM simulations and the outcome will be compared withhigh-quality solar irradiance measurements on the ground and at TOA (e.g. BBR data). Some activities aresupported by funding from EXCELSIOR EU project, and by ATMO-ACCESS.
18. Validation plan for EarthCARE/CPR using scanning Ka-band cloud radar – Tadayasu
Ohigashi
Validation of CPR is planned using statistical comparison (climatological comparison using CFAD)
using ground-based Ka-band scanning radar, MWR, tower. Products usable for intercomparison:
Doppler velocity, ZDR. Big dataset needs to be collected for meaningful comparisons. Examples ofsimultaneous and point-by-point comparison are shown, based on products obtainable from Ka
scanning radar, such as CAPPI (Constant Altitude Plan Position Indicator) vertical cross sections. Directcomparison seems reliable only for reflectivity. Case studies and climatological histograms forstatistical comparisons are implemented (more information on Poster no 15).
19. EarthCARE BBR L1 and L2 Products Assessment – Nicolas Clerbaux
The consortium formed by RMIB, IC, UV, and NASA Langley will validate L1 and L2 products fromthe BBR, specifically B-NOM, B-SNG, BM-RAD, and BMA-FLX. Intercomparisons will be done withother spaceborne measurements, such as CERES in across-track mode but also in the Programmable
Plane Azimuth Scanning (PAPS) mode to maximize the angular collocation of the measurements and
GERB at 0º and 45º East. SCARAB is no longer available, and CLARREO on ISS will likely not be
available before 2026.

1320. Preparation for the validation of EarthCARE Product in China – Xuan Wang
The national satellite center of CMA will include Cal/Val for meteorological data of Chinese missions.
Two satellites were launched last year: Gou'mang and DQ1. Both are equipped with lidars at 532nm
and 1064nm wavelength. The validation network includes 120 national radiosonde stations and 49 lidars
operated in a network. Chinese reference lidar is compared to Potenza reference lidar. In Wuhan
University they plan to build an enhanced lidar with WV and temperature capabilities. Intercomparisonswith FengYun series satellites have been made and further development is foreseen.
21. Assessment of the environmental conditions for the generation of ice particle types from Atrain observations – Hajime Okamoto
The speaker presented several aspects of the validation activities for precipitation and clouds. For the
precipitation studies, the K2W methodology was described and sampling strategies and conditions forapplication of the method were explained. Regarding the validation activities for clouds, a newly
developed dataset for assessing EarthCARE ice particle products was introduced and consistency
studies between EarthCARE and A-train measurements were mentioned in the outlook after the launchof EarthCARE.
22. LITES: cal/val with lidar in Hatfield, UK – Rui SongLITES (Lidar Innovations for Technologies and Environmental Sciences) facility in Hertfordshire(51.75 N, 0.24 W) will be used for the EarthCARE validation. LITES is a high-power multi-wavelength
system, with HSRL, polarization, and spectroscopic Raman capabilities reaching altitudes higher than
13 km with high SNR. The system has been recently updated, and a processing chain is developed forautomatic product outputs (in NetCDF). EarthCARE validation plan includes measurements in a time
window of 3 hrs around overpass, collocation using trajectory analysis. ATLID aerosol profile products
will be validated, and aerosol and cloud base/top heights will also be derived.
23. Validation of ATLID lidar data by means of ground-based lidar measurements in northern
Sweden – Peter Völger
Ground-based lidar measurements in northern Sweden will be used for the EarthCARE validation(locations: IRF Kiruna (67.83 N, 20.41 E); Esrange Space Center, 30km ENE; 532nm measurements
converted to 355nm). The arctic environment is often influenced by mountain lee waves. Validationplans are as follows. Validation targets: Cirrus clouds, PSCs, elevated aerosols; data products: A-EBD,
A-CTH; measurements: during all validation period; methodology: comparison of individual cases (forCirrus and PSCs) and statistical analysis (for Cirrus). The lidars are optimized for UTLS andstratospheric measurements (not capability in lower altitudes), occasionally balloon-borne in situ
measurements of microphysical particle properties will be performed in cirrus clouds. Funding issecured for 2023-2025 (Swedish space agency). PI is interested to combine these measurements withairborne campaigns in the region (e.g. ALIVIO ARCTIC).
Rob Koopman’s suggestion: please consider collocated airborne and ground-based measurements, withcollaboration between different Cal/Val teams.
24. Cabauw Lidar observations for ATLID L1 and L2a product evaluation – David Donovan
Means of validation include ground-based lidar measurements (CAELI ACTRIS multi-wavelength
Raman depolarization water vapor system) at Cabauw (Central Netherlands) and supported instruments(e.g. BSRN, Doppler cloud radar). Validation plans: A-PRO and ACM-CAP direct L2 comparison; useof ATLID L1 forward model to compare with ATLID L1. No specific validation project is funded, butsome work will be done in EU projects (e.g. CERTAINTY 2023-2025).

14

25. Updates for the Cabauw activities for EarthCARE evaluation (CECARE) – Arnoud Apituley
Measurements in CESAR (Cabauw Experimental Site for Atmospheric Research) in the Netherlands(supersite: wind/aerosol/water vapor lidars (daytime Raman extinction & backscatter at UV) include
microwave radiometer, Ka/W radar, micro rain radar, MAXDOAS, BSRN, Aeronet, sky camera, 213
m tower (with in-situ instrumentations for meteorology, gasses, aerosol, fluxes, and drizzle X-bandradar). CESAR is a part of ACTRIS aerosol and cloud remote sensing networks. A second site is locatedat Lutjewad Atmospheric Research Station with UV-lidar and Cloudnet station (W-band radar). Longterm validation of aerosol and cloud products and representativity of EarthCARE observations.
CECARE is a national component of ACTRIS proposal (EVID05), is not yet funded but is a part of
ATMO-ACCESS pilot project and EU-funded CERTAINTY project.
26. Validation of the EarthCARE ATLID and MSI products using ground-based lidar andsunphotometry measurements – Tomoaki Nishizawa
Validation effort will use measurements ifrom different observational sites in Japan (Toyama, Tsukuba,
Koganei, Fukuoka, Hedo, Palau; lidar, sky radiometer, all-sky camera). NICT Koganei is a supersite
located at 35.7 N, 139.5 E with instruments UV HSRL, DWL, W-band radars, MFMSPL multiple
scattering lidar. Validation of aerosol and cloud ATLID and MSI products (columnar and profiles) will
also be conducted using the AD-Net and SKYNET data. Ground measurement comparisons withCALIOP and Aeolus products were shown. Operational expenses will be covered by competitive
funding. Palau site will close in 2024, currently considering where to relocate it.
Workshop recommendation: as we have very few marine-representative sites, it is recommended to try
maintaining/support marine sites (as Palau) during the EarthCARE period.

15

5. Airborne and shipborne campaigns
Chaired by S. Gross, J. Delanoë (part 1) and P. Kollias, D. Donovan (part 2)
Secretaries: H. Baars, T. Fehr (part 1) and E. Marinou, J.von Bismarck (part 2)
No
1

2
3

4
5
6

7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Title
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Elastic Backscatter
Lidar Efforts Relevant to EarthCare Calibration/Validation and
Synergistic Data Products
EarthCARE Calibration and Validation Using the NASA LaRC
Airborne HSRL-2
The Arctic POlar Night EXperiment (PONEX) Aircraft Campaign
to Assess EarthCARE's cloud property retrieval algorithm

Speaker

Calibration and Validation of EarthCARE’s Cloud Profiling
Radar Data Products
ALIVIO Norwegian EarthCARE Cal/Val Effort

Ousmane Sy

Calibration and Validation of EarthCARE Retrieved Products
Using Measurements from the UK Facility for Airborne
Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM)
The Mediterranean EarthCARE Cal/Val experiment ACROSS
Discussion campaign session part 1
Strategy of measurements with the light balloon aerosols counter
LOAC for the validation of EarthCare (BAIVEC project)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and other observations for the cal/val
of EarthCARE
In-situ airborne measurements during Aeolus Cal/Val JATAC
campaigns – relevance for EarthCARE aerosol products
EC-TOOC – Airborne EarthCARE-like payload for preparationand validation studies
BOWTIE – The shipborne Trans-ITCZ Experiment

Ed Nowottnick

Chris Hostetler
Zhipeng Qu

Robert Oscar
David
Kamil Mroz

Eleni Marinou

Jean-Baptiste
RenardFranco Marenco
Griša Močnik
Silke Gross
Julia Windmiller

MORECALVAL: MObile Radar-Lidar-Radiometer EarthCare Julien Delanoë
CAL/VAL project
PACE-PAX
Kirk
Knobelspiesse
Discussion campaign session part 2
Airborne and shipborne campaigns part 1

1. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Elastic Backscatter Lidar Efforts Relevant toEarthCare Calibration/Validation and Synergistic Data P roducts – Ed NowottnickNASA's CPL (Cloud physics lidar: elastic lidar at 355, 532, 1064nm with 1064 depolarization) is
implemented in several different airborne platforms with the capability to perform flexible flights(including P3 and ER2 aircraft, and aircrafts with high-altitude capability). Real-time data products
have been described for the example of CATS (Cloud aerosol feature mask). Roscoe (355, 1064nm up
and downlooking lidar) is well suited for ULTS studies; 532 nm is not available due to eye safety. For
the AOS mission, the ALICAT lidar (elastic polarization lidar at 532 & 1064nm) will perform Cal/Val
in AOS-Storm NASA mission (planned for the 2028 launch). EarthCARE lidar ratio will be useful for
ALICAT retrievals. For the EarthCARE Cal/Val, the NASA ER2 mission with CPL will take place inthe fall 2024 around Palmdale California and it is possible to underpass EarthCARE. Other joint field16

campaigns /future opportunities (NASA EVS-4) might be used. In 2025, the home base will change
from Palmdale to Edwards.
2. EarthCARE Calibration and Validation Using the NASA LaRC Airborne HSRL-2 – Chris
Hostetler
This is a funded effort by NASA for EarthCARE validation with HSRL-2 (3b,2a+3dp). HSRL-2 has
HSRL capabilities at 355 and 532nm, ocean profiling and O3 DIAL capabilities. HSRL-1 has been
deployed in several aircrafts so far, together with polarimeters and once with the JPL radar.
Measurements are capable to bridge CALIPSO with EarthCARE datasets (wavelength differences) andto help to extract more value from European 532nm lidars (WALES) for ATLID validation. HSRL-2
was used to validate CALIPSO lidar ratio and typing. It was emphasized that especially the large
number of flights conducted allowed for statistical analyses. HSRL-2 can be used to validate
EarthCARE level 1 (at 355 nm), aerosol typing, and level 2 products. The team isparticipating/contributing in the ECVT and ACPV activities. HSRL-2 products are available from L0
to L2 but for EarthCARE validation a L1b intermediate product will be developed, i.e. ATLID level 1bdata validation needs some effort. Long-term dataset of 355, 532, and 1064 nm measurements areavailable to the community for any group that wants to use it towards the homogenization of thedifferent missions or algorithm development. Translation of data base (wavelengths) was skipped on
NASA side due to missing funding. Upcoming flights include PACE-PAX (Sep 2024), during whichmore EarthCARE underflights are in discussion.
Discussion: widen the view to the global aerosol population, HSRL-2 is useful but should not be used
for global assessment. It is task for collaboration to bring all different results together.
Recommendation: to widen HSRL2 measurements in more areas around the Earth, e.g. for Saharan dust
more measurements in Saharan outflows and Arabian dust is needed. Same for smoke.
Response: there is plan to fly in the Asia2 campaign, so some improvement on this aspect is in progress.
Q: Lidar ratio for ice clouds?
A: It is related to cloud microphysics, and current research topic. Work will be done for water cloud
microphysics and optical properties also.
3. The Arctic POlar Night EXperiment (PONEX) Aircraft Campaign to Assess EarthCARE's
cloud property retrieval algorithm – Zhipeng Qu
The objective is to improve weather and climate forecasts in polar regions, to improve representationsof processes in NWP models, and to collect new observations of surface emissivity and thermal profiles,
cloud microphysics, and aerosols. Expertise is available through many airborne campaigns in the last
20 years to improve weather and climate forecast. Experimental design: two 3-week windows Jan 2025
and Feb 2025 departing from Inuvik. Weather flights and clear sky flights will be performed, along withsuborbital flights for EarthCARE and AOD-HAWC with a special focus on optically thin ice clouds.
Instruments: X, W, Ka-band radars (up, side, and downward looking), elastic cloud lidar 355nm(upward looking), MW sounder, in-situ probes, and more. Benefits for ESA EarthCARE mission is theclosure assessment of the active instrument retrievals by comparison with BBR radiation retrieval. To
this end, surface and atmospheric properties will be used, 3d scene construction algorithms using X and
W-band radars and cloud in-situ probes for scene reconstruction. Aerosol in-situ probes and ALI lidar
for Aerosol validation, 355nm lidar for cloud validation, FIRR-2 and broadband radiometers for
Radiation Cal/Val. Surface sites consist of Inuvik, Iqaluit, Eureka, and Alert.

17

4. Calibration and Validation of EarthCARE’s Cloud Profiling Radar Data Products – OusmaneSy
Calibration of CPR measurements is planned with APR-3 measurements. APR-3 is a triple frequency
radar with scanning, depolarization, and Doppler capabilities (W-band Doppler & Ka/Ku-band) used inseveral field campaigns. Differences between the measurements from different wavelengths wereshown and investigated. CloudCube airborne radar is a Ka/W/G-band radar with Doppler capabilities.
RainCube is a spaceborne radar deployed from ISS, used for SAT-SAT validation: measurements werecompared with GPM (satellite to satellite intercomparison) and with airborne measurements. A point
was raised that one should be careful to compare not nadir to nadir data. It is possible to construct a
profiling radar in a Cubesat, a constellation could be used in the future. INCUS constellation consistsof 3 DAR radars Ka-band and 1 DMR radiometer in a train, is targeting vertical transport of air andwater by convective storms, and is anticipated to be launched in 2026. Work on GPM vs APR 3
comparison has been publishd (S.L. Durden, et al., IEEE GRSL, 2020). Comparison between APR3
and in-situ collocated cases were performed and showed good performance in some specific cloud types(O.O. Sy, et al., J. Atmos. Oceanic Tech., 2020). For EarthCARE Cal/Val, special focus lies on
EarthCARE Doppler products. Doppler measurements on aircraft are stabilized and cross-trackscanning will be performed. Key mention: Raincube are freely available data, invitation to use it to thecommunity (https://tcis.jpl.nasa.gov/data/raincube).
5. ALIVIO Norwegian EarthCARE Cal/Val Effort – Robert Oscar David
The ALIVIO project complements other Norwegian projects presented by others: validation using
airborne measurements (in-situ) and ground measurements at ALOMAR observatory (remote sensing,355, 532, 1064nm depolarization at 532nm (upgrade for 355nm depolarization channel is planed)). The
validation focus is on aerosol (ground-based) and clouds (ground-based, airborne). Validation is planned
together with DLR-HALO during the ORCESTRA campaign (tropical Atlantic). Other flight plansinclude STEP-CHANGE (2025, Palau) and in Norwegian Arctic (2026). The team has experience withcloud phase validation based on ALOMAR and CALIPSO measurements. Collaboration with Kiruna
lidar is not yet planned but the team would be happy to collaborate. For EarthCARE, the validation
scope includes L2 liquid and ice cloud properties and cloud base and height, L2 aerosol products(backscatter and depolarization profiles), cloud L2 products (ice cloud properties).
6. Calibration and Validation of EarthCARE Retrieved Products Using Measurements from the
UK Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) – Kamil Mroz
FAAM Airborne Lab will be out of action from July 2024 until early 2025 (will be missing most of the
EarthCARE commissioning phase). Development of a new UK FAAM airborne lab, with many sensors
on board including remote sensing instruments (e.g. broadband radiometers, imaging IR radiometers,
mini-lidar), and in-situ instruments for aerosol and cloud properties, meteorological probes for T, q, P
air motion, CO2, CH4 concentration). Mid-life upgrade is planned which will improve instruments
capabilities, e.g. new spectrometers, lidar up and downward pointing, new aerosol inlets, new opticalarray probes, radiation UNIRAS Far mid-IR spectrometer). EarthCARE validation objectives are tocollect measurements within clouds by performing 10 overpasses within 20 min of the EarthCARE
track, at least 120 km long and by sampling a wide range of meteorological conditions. Conditions ofparticular interest are continental and marine aerosols, clouds, now and large-scale rain. Potential
FAAM flights include 1-2 flights in June 2024 from UK and in spring 2025 from UK and Ireland.
Interest to collaborate in existing campaigns was expressed.
7. The Mediterranean EarthCARE Cal/Val experiment ACROSS – Eleni Marinou
The speaker highlights a planned field campaign in the Mediterranean based on lessons learned from
Aeolus and pre-EarthCARE campaigns (ASKOS campaign, part of JATAC), and on an unprecedented

18

amount of quality-assured datasets. The Mediterranean basin provides a complex aerosol-cloudenvironment needed to exploit EarthCARE capabilities. Three major objectives of this campaign are
the validation of EarthCare aerosol and cloud products using ground-based and in situ measurements,
science studies, and bridging spaceborne lidar data records. Three intense operational periods (IOP)
are planned for 3 months at 3 supersites (Potenza, Pangea, Cyprus) consisting of a full ACTRIS ARS
and CRS, and in-situ onboard UAV’s in Cyprus. The team will use EarthCARE products along withradiation measurements for closure studies. The spring and the month of September are foreseen as
target periods. Potential ARM deployment is also targeted as well as the support of airborne
measurements. The airborne support includes HALO with EarthCARE-like payload in September 2024,
and additional aircrafts such as airborne in-situ (Slovenia) and FAAM, SAFIRE, NASA (all still underdiscussion). The eVe lidar is to be upgraded by the end of summer 2024. Several collaborations are still
to be completed, i.e. with Slovenian small aircraft (2025), FAAM (Kamil Mroz, Thorwald Stein),French SAFIRE (Julien Delanoë), and HSRL-2 (Chris Hostetler) and P3 (Simone) including possibly
extra sensors (through Jens Redemann) are all candidates for 2026/2027.
Q: Is fall 2024 campaign confirmed?
A: Ground-based stations will operate and discussions with Silke Gross (DLR) are ongoing to get a few
flights over the site (she has funding for 5 flights from Munich in the broader area).
8. Discussion campaign session part 1
Q: Which cloud properties are measured?
A: All aircrafts have radars, except a couple of them that focus on aerosol and radiation.
Q: It is important to 'correct' in-situ measurements (dried a posteriori) for their original ambient (wet)state.
A: Relevant for non-dust only. Otherwise is difficult. General answer cannot be given for all aircraft,
due to the complexity of different instruments.
Julien Delanoë: We need a strategy for many aircrafts to fly together, to document the area before andafter the overpass, and be well prepared to fly together.
Q: ECMWF output for the campaigns? ESA refers to X-MET, but it is only for EarthCARE swath. Are
there plans for ECMWF to provide data in advance to the Cal/Val teams?
A: ESA needs to investigate this possibility with ECMWF! Eleni reported on the JATAC model support
by ECWMF (through a formal request to ECMWF) and suggested a similar approach could be followed.
Dave Donovan: EVDC data formats for the lidar products: the background meteorological conditions
are needed in the correlative products, they should ideally be delivered with the products, if this is notpossible the meteorological condition is needed from a reliable source (ECMWF): campaign andmodelling support from ECMWF would be great!

Airborne and shipborne campaigns part 2
9. Strategy of measurements with the light balloon aerosols counter LOAC for the validation ofEarthCare (BAIVEC project) – Jean-Baptiste Renard
This validation project will utilise balloon-borne measurements with the LOAC aerosols counter(concentrations for 19 size classes from 200 nm to 50 μm; measurements at 4 scattering angles foraerosol typology). The concentration measurements are converted to extinction coefficients considering
their aerosol type (hence their refractive index). Measurements are collected up to 30-35 km altitudewith up to 100 m resolution. Past intercomparisons with CALIPSO measurements have been performed.
Developed coincidence criteria for validation studies with EarthCARE are [>1hr & > 50 km] and forunperturbed conditions [>3hr & > 100 km]. Four locations in France (3 North, 1 South: Aire sur l'Adour,

19

Orléans, Ury, Reims) are ready to launch on overpass “under alert” (flexible launch from the group, no
specific instrumentation is needed). Funding is available for a 1-year campaign of ~45 flights:
background monitoring (2/month for 10 months) and 2 monthly intense phases (12-13/month; bestperiod: May – September 2024, months will be decided based on meteorological forecast). In 2025
LOAC will measure in the tropics at ~20 km altitude for several months (around the world, onboard 4
Strateole2 gondolas). LOAC can operate in drones (size with battery 1 kg), but drone operations are notin the plans for now.
10. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and other observations for the Cal/Val of EarthCARE – Franco
MarencoObservations will be performed at three Cyprus stations with sun-photometers, ceilometers, 1 lidar, and1 flux station. UAV-based measurements (tailored platforms) focus on coarse-mode mass concentrations(UCASS OPC; 0.4-20 and 3-40μm), collected samples (GPAC impactors; >1μm), backscatter ratio(COBALD), aerosol size distribution (POPS; 0.14-3.3μm). Measured particle sizes up to 40 μm from
Cabo Verde (ASKOS campaign) and performed chemical composition analysis were shown.
Measurements are limited up to 6 km due to permission reasons. The height can be increased using
ballons, but it is still difficult to fly regularly mainly due to weather. Intercomparison of aerosol
concentrations from in-situ and lidar are performed. Funding was available (ATMO ACCESS Cal/Val
project) for some flights on 25 Oct. – 3 Nov. 2023, which were performed already) and for June September 2024, next to lidar measurements and fast data submission to the EVDC). Additional planned
campaigns: AEROMOST e-prolife campaign; ACROSS campaign (2025-2026).
Q: Are there any plans for large sizes measurements for clouds?
A: UCASS is capable, but the cloud wet environment may affect the UAVs, the possibility will be
investigated.
11. In-situ airborne measurements during Aeolus Cal/Val JATAC campaigns – relevance for
EarthCARE aerosol products – Griša Močnik
The speaker proposed light aircraft measurements of absorption coefficient (fine, coarse), scattering
coefficient, size distribution (total, coarse), solar irradiance, RH, CO2. The team has experience in flight
coordination with other aircrafts (e.g. DLR-Falcon, LATMOS-Saphire, NASA-DC8). Measurementsfrom Cabo Verde campaign were performed, where size diameters up to 13 μm were collected and 3D
resolved measurements are available. Backscatter intercomparison between the in-situ measurements(converted) and lidar measurements (ground-based and Aeolus) showed very good agreement. The
comparison results were good after extrapolation from 520nm (in-situ optical sensor frequency) to
532nm (ground-based lidar), but extrapolation from 520nm to 335nm (Aeolus) sometimes led to lessaccurate results. A study of the dust & black carbon heating rates was performed. For EarthCARE
Cal/Val, operations are planned during ACROSS campaign (upon available funding) with possibly
additional payloads.
12. PERCUSION (former EC-TOOC) – Airborne EarthCARE-like payload for preparation andvalidation studies – Silke Gross
PERCUSION is an airborne campaign with HALO aircraft including the cloud observatory package(WALES HSRL lidar, MIRA Ka-band radar, SpecMACS hyper-spectral imager, HAMP MW
radiometer) to retrieve vertical and horizontal distributions of aerosol, clouds, turbulence, and humidity.
Products of target classification mask, aerosol typing, cloud microphysics synergistic retrievals,
radiative transfer calculations, and closure studies are also developed and used. EarthCARE validation
strategy in the months of August - September 2024 consists of 9 weeks of active measurements, 10
flights out of Cabo Verde, 10 out of Barbados, 5-6 from Germany/Oberpfaffenhofen, the majority with20

EarthCARE overpasses. Over Cabo Verde, coordinated flights with ATR42 (RASTA W-band radar,
HSRL lidar, in-situ) and any additional aircraft are planned, in order to use multiwavelength lidar, radar
data, and in situ microphysical properties (also measurements in clouds) for the evaluation ofEarthCARE products. After EarthCARE underflights, a circular flight pattern will be performed for abetter characterization of the conditions around the track and the evolution of the clouds measured. The
measurements will be supported by shipborne measurements (BOWTIE) and ground-based stations(Mindelo, Barbados). As for the flights over Germany, overpasses over lidar/radar ground stations will
be considered (e.g. ACTRIS sites).
13. BOWTIE - The shipborne Trans-ITCZ Experiment – Julia Windmiller
BOWTIE is a shipborne campaign in the Tropical Atlantic in the period 10 August – 24 September 2024with a chance to cross under 3 – 5 EarthCARE tracks. It is based at the METEOR vessel and is a partof the ORCESTRA campaign. The focus is on Atlantic Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) (e.g.
structure, dynamics, precipitation). Measurements cover precipitation (funded), surface fluxes, aerosols
and upper ocean measurements (disdrometer, sea snakes, open-path gas analyser, aerosol spectrometer,
and more), cloud base height, cloud water and water content (ceilometer, microwave radiometer, GPSMet.), atmospheric profiles of humidity, wind, temperature, clouds, and aerosol (Raman multiwavelength lidar, radiosondes, wind lidar, W-band radar, drones), 3D precipitation field (PICCOLO:CSU Sea-Pol C-band scanning Rain Radar). Drone measurements (T, WV, wind speed/direction,
aerosols; up to 4km) may be added if the funding request is successful. The W-band radar is shipstabilized (with collocated MWR & ceilometer). Cloudnet products will be available. The point ofcontact for this campaign is Heike Kalesse.
14. MORECALVAL: MObile Radar-Lidar-Radiometer EarthCare CAL/VAL project – Julien
Delanoë
The project’s main activities is to have airborne campaigns with multiple platforms (DLR-HALO,LATMOS-ATR42; multi-wavelength HSRLs, W- and Ka-band Doppler radars, specMACS, in-situ).
The plan is to have direct under-flights of the EarthCARE track, and airborne flights in tandem. This
would facilitate the calibration of EarthCARE’s instruments (CPR, ATLID, MSI) as well as thevalidation of cloud, precipitation, and aerosol synergistic products (L1 & L2). The field campaign plan
includes 1. PREMAESTRO - Toulouse (July 2024; ATR42; funded), 2. ORCHESTRA - Cabo Verde(August-September 2024; ATR42+HALO; funded), 3. BACCOPA - Central equatorial Africa (Sept2025; ATR42; funded), 4. NAWDIC - Ireland/Brittany (Feb 2026; ATR42; not funded yet), 5.
STACCATO - Africa (fall 2027; HALO; not funded yet), 6. AC3-PND - Arctic (2028; HALO; notfunded yet). Additional activities include balloon-borne flights (LATMOS&CNES) at 20-22 km,
starting on June 2024 from Kiruna (CNES STRALI project; W-band Doppler radar and 808 nm lidar).
Furthermore, the following ground-based platforms (from DLR and LATMOS), including a BASTA
radar (W-band) network and a portable system, a BALI system (scanning BASTA and ulidar 532/808nm), and synergistic observations from Poldirad and BASTA (C-band+W-band, which can be moved)
are available.
Notes from questions: regarding the time of balloon flights, at first they will last a few hours and thenattempt to increase the duration of the flights. The weight of the stratospheric radar is ~45 kg, but it canbe improved.

2115. The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission and the PACE Postlaunch
Airborne eXperiment – Kirk Knobelspiesse
PACE will be launched in January 2024 with 3 passive instruments onboard: 1. OCI spectrometer, 2.
HARP2 multiangle polarimeter, and 3. SPEXone multiangle polarimeter. Official data distribution will
follow on-orbitt commissioning (60 days), with heritage and required products first, followed byadvanced and polarimetric products. The full list of products is available on
https://pace.oceansciences.org/data_table.htm. The “Pace science data product validation plan"
document
isavailableatpace.oceansciences.org/documents.htm.
The PACE-PAX (PACE Postlaunch Airborne eXperiment) validation campaign is scheduled to takeplace in California, 3-27 September 2024. It will include remote sensing proxy observations fromNASA ER-2 (polarimetry, spectrometers, HSRL-2, RSP), in situ sampling with CIRPAS Twin Otter(aerosol/cloud in-situ, aerosol phase function, in situ data synergy), ocean instruments, ocean floats,and surface sites (Aeronet). Coordinated observations under PACE will take place over surface sites
and onboard marine vessels. There is a potential synergy between PACE and EarthCARE since the two
mission will have 1-hour difference in overpass (PACE 13:00 LT, EarthCARE 14:00 LT) at campaign
site. Daytime collocations within 5 minutes will be possible once per base period, around 42 latitude,
and within 90 minutes over the tropical Atlantic. PACE and EarthCARE validation campaigns (e.g.
PACE-PAX, PERCUSSION, MAESTRO) and relevant for both missions, and coordination of activities
will be mutually beneficial.
16. Discussion campaign session part 2
Q: Are we missing something in particular regimes, e.g.cloud or locations? Coverage of clouds andaerosol conditions in all areas? Are there campaigns covering Africa?
A: There are very few measurements from platforms in the ocean, and no measurements in Russia.
There is a lack of observations in the southern hemisphere, these are important gaps. Amazon basin isalso not well covered. Plans from French teams for 4 stations with 3 frequency bands radar to be placedin Antarctica to be used in Cal / Val in mid 2024 - 2025. There are various lidar networks like MPLNET
that has a global coverage, and LALINET in south America. GALION is a lidar network of networks,
it has tool that shows where all the stations are, where the gaps and what the coverages are. There arecountry reports on the Arctic area that explore gaps and give recommendations to national bodies andstakeholders where to put measurements. Regarding flying in Africa, 2 years in advance is a good timeperiod to start asking for permission for flights in the continent for some places. Help from the agency
would be very helpful and maybe we get access for some campaigns if we plan in advance!

Q: One cloud property of interest is the vertical air velocity. How will the sensing of the vertical air
velocity will be validated by the airborne or ground-based campaigns?
A: Airborne observations are more complicated than ground-based due to the moving platform. The
sum of the terminal fall velocity can be measured, and at the altitude of the measurements they canmeasure the vertical air motion and derive some terminal fall velocity and maybe extrapolate it and link
it to reflectivity. In many field campaigns there are lots of dropsondes that measure the vertical air
velocity, but not sure how accurate they are and they also sometimes fail.

Q: What validation effort can help to eliminate the cross-talk contamination of ATLID’s Rayleigh and
Mie channels?
A: Using only L2 retrievals is not enough. A direct comparison of attenuated backscatter is needed. For
this comparison, there is a tool that has been developed to take ground-based measurements andsimulate what ATLID should see (see talk ‘L1 ATLID simulator’). This allows users to adjust things to22

see the effect of not having the cross-talk right. This tool will be publicly available before EarthCARE
launch.

Q: US NASA campaigns have a centralized data repository and common data format. It would be useful
to have the same approach for the European campaigns.
A: In terms of centralization, the European and American approaches have been synchronized in thepast. There are efforts to do the same now for EarthCARE. EVDC is organizing the collection of Cal/Val
data from EarthCARE campaigns and metadata standardization.

Q: Cal/Val tasks are not trivial and require a lot of resources. Tasks involve collocation, co-registering
the dataset, providing the data in the correct format, QA, etc. How to maximize the level of thisactivities, funding, etc?
A: ESA supports this activity but the broader aspect that goes deeper into the science should be tackled
by the scientific campaign leads. Scientists usually take the lead and ESA helps to obtain funding fromnational agencies.

Q: Is there a device that measures directly the density of particles (size spectrum)? Now we assume
they follow power-law and run our models.
A: Not only do we need validation of the products but also validation of the assumptions used in thealgorithms is needed. Not known what the state of the art is to get better size distribution information
but good quality, collocated data of size distribution is desired.

23

6. Networks
Chaired by L. Baldini, T. Nishizawa (part 1) and U. Wandinger, T. Y. Nakajima (part 2)
Secretaries: H. Baars, T. Tanaka (part 1) and E. Marinou, T. Hummel, V. Tzallas (part 2)
No

Title

Speaker

1

WEGN4CARE: The WegenerNet 3D Open-Air Laboratory for Climate
Change Research and its Potential for the Validation of EarthCARE
Cloud and Precipitation Products
A 94-GHz Radar Network in Europe for the Calibration and Validationof Spaceborne Cloud Profiling Data Products
Combining EarthCare and ARM facility measurements for validation
and research applications
EarthCARE Cal/Val preparation activity in the framework of theEuropean Project ATMO-ACCESS
EVID05: The new structure of the ACTRIS-related contribution to
EarthCARE Cal/Val – AECARELALINET EarthCARE Cal/Val Activities
EarthCARE Cal/Val Using the NASA Micro Pulse Lidar Network(MPLNET)
Performance Evaluation of the Rain Mask Algorithm for Global
Precipitation Monitoring Using NASA MPLNET Lidar Network
AD-Net and SAVER-Net lidar networks for validation of ATLID
products
Assessment of EarthCare Aerosol and Cloud Products through GroundBased Measurements from the E-PROFILE and AERONET Networks.
(AEROCLOUD)CPR Doppler validation using WINDASThe WMO GAW Aerosol Lidar Observation Network (GALION):
status and coordination plans relevant to EarthCARE
Discussions

Andreas Kvas

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Lukas
Pfitzenmaier
James Mather
Holger Baars
Holger Baars
Eduardo Landulfo
Jasper Lewis
Simone Lolli
Yoshitaka Jin
Francisco NavasGuzmán
Yuichi Ohno
Judd Welton

1. WEGN4CARE: The WegenerNet 3D Open-Air Laboratory for Climate Change Research and
its Potential for the Validation of EarthCARE Cloud and Precipitation Products – Andreas Kvas
The WegenerNet 3D Open Air Lab is a dense network composed of 150 climate stations covering
22kmx16km in South Austria. Some stations have extended atmospheric sounding capabilities after a"3D expansion" since May '21. Instrumentation includes X-band radar, GNSS Water Vapor Sounding
IR cloud structure radiometer, MW tropospheric Profiling radiometer. The X-Band weather radar (dualpolarization, focusing on precipitation, and operated according to 2.5 min data sampling) is placed to
the South of the 156 stations and covers these by sweeping North. Measured geophysical parameters
including precipitation rate and type, T, WV profiles (up to 10 km), LWP, IWV, tropospheric path delay,
all-sky map of inf. brightness temperature, derivations of 3D cloud structures. The contribution to
EarthCARE will mostly target the development of cloud and precipitation products for validation.
Q: How to correlate a point measurement with profiling for rainfall phenomena?
A: The correlation is about 50% but drops steeply at more than 3km away.

24

2. A 94-GHz Radar Network in Europe for the Calibration and Validation of Spaceborne Cloud
Profiling Data Products – Lukas Pfitzenmaier
FRM4Radar (where FRM stands for Fiducial Reference Measurements) is a project funded by ESA
focusing on pointing out and quantifying CPR uncertainties from ground-based instruments. To ensure
data quality and trusted measurements, activities performed concern the calibration of Cloudnet
instruments in cooperation with ACTRIS, corrections on antenna pointing errors (critical for correct
Doppler estimates), estimation of confidence of some products, and development of new products.
Radar data processing algorithms written in Matlab are available on GitHub. New developments will
be implemented soon in ACTRIS. Data from ASKOS campaign have been already uploaded to EVDC.
Recent activities concern a simulation tool to create synthetic EarthCARE CPR data from groundobservation that will be released soon. Progress in radar calibration using disdrometer-based methods
and exploitation of the synergy of MW radiometer and ceilometer measurements has been also targeted.

3. Combining EarthCARE and ARM facility measurements for validation and research
applications – James Mather
The project is a new addition to EarthCARE validation (EVID40). ARM support ranges from field
campaigns deployment, hosting guest instruments, to facility developments (LES simulations are also
developed). An overview of potentials of ARM facilities that includes a network of 3 fixed locations
and 3 mobile observatories and datasets were illustrated to highlight possible impacts on EarthCARE
validation. Datasets include measurements of clouds, aerosols, precipitation, radiation, and surface
properties since 1992. Data is freely available. ARM facilities are equipped with radiosondes,
microwave radiometer, IR interferometer, 35 Ghz cloud radar, micropulse lidar, Doppler lidar,
Hemispheric sky imager, in situ sensors for aerosol number, size, cloud condensation nuclei, andinstruments to measure surface meteorology, radiation and heat fluxes. Additional instrumentation atselected locations includes Raman lidar, high spectral resolution lidar, and scanning radars. A new site
is established at Maryland (2025). A mobile deployment in April 2024 in Tasmania (possibly overlap
with GoSouth) for 12 months, Southeast US (BNF) is planned. Potential activities for EarthCARE
validation: Alignment of ARM radars or lidars with EarthCARE, harmonization of ARM data streams
with ACTRIS, NASA, and NOAA, and development of special data streams (merged products). Further,use of the novel developed open-source L1 simulator tools. Availability of piloted and uncrewed aerial
platforms: Tethered Balloon System, Uncrewed Aerial System ArcticShark, Regional Jet Challenger
850 CRJ200 (delivery in 2025 ready for science flight by 2026). More information can be found on
www.arm.gov/capabilities;
ww.arm.gov/data/;
www.arm.gov/capabilities/observatories/aaf.
Important note: call for mobile facility deployment out "now", contact: Jim Mather
Q: Does the harmonization with ACTRIS include target classification retrievals?
A: Reach out to stakeholders and check how to do this, details of what to harmonize will come whensuch a framework is established.
4. EarthCARE Cal/Val preparation activity in the framework of the European Project ATMOACCESS – Holger Baars
ATMO-ACCESS project = Sustainable Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities. ATMO‐ACCESS
pilot activity to prepare ACTRIS for EarthCARE validation: Preparation activities at ACTRIS topicaland data centers and ACTRIS national facilities (observatories) and selected additional ATMOACCESS non-ACTRIS sites were illustrated. First preparation activity was finalized with a 2-monthrehearsal campaign performed in Oct/Nov 2023. Most of the goals of the preparation activities havebeen already achieved. A rehearsal campaign has been conducted with simulated orbits, 46 participating
stations and ACTRIS topical and data centers. A reasonable measurement coverage was achieved within
the rehearsal campaign. The complex QA/QC procedures were not yet fully completed but are targeted
to be ready for EarthCARE launch. Additional instrument intercomparison (MPL, ESA reference lidars)25

is scheduled for 2024. Real validation is planned with additional mobile facility deployment and some
limited data analysis, but Pilot activity ends already in September 2024.
5. EVID05: The new structure of the ACTRIS-related contribution to EarthCARE Cal/Val –AECARE – Holger Baars
AECARE now covers ACTRIS remote sensing, EARLINET and Cloudnet. Due to the new
infrastructure some changes in the project have taken place, e.g. several new stations are now involved,
and new instruments have been obtained. Furthermore, ACTRIS central facilities (data centers andtopical centers) are now involved ensuring a centralized QA/QC and standardized data flows. The
coordination was taken over by Holger Baars. Funding is secured for performing measurements but isvery limited for data analysis. The ATMO-ACCESS pilot activity was used to start preparation for the
EC Cal/Val already.
6. EVID07: LALINET EarthCARE Cal/Val Activities – Eduardo Landulfo
LALINET covers 15 sites in Latin America: 2 radar, 9 lidar/ceilometer, 4 other sites. It's an umbrella
project. In 2025, a harmonization campaign with EU partners is planned. LALINET is especiallyinterested in biomass burning aerosol, aerosol cloud interaction (ACI), Southern Atlantic Anomaly(SAA), and in the troposphere and stratosphere. A LALINET workshop will take place in April 2024 in
Sao Paulo with a dedicated EarthCARE session: https://xiiwlmla.umag.cl/. LALINET data is currently
only available via direct contact (e.g., Eduardo Landulfo).
Comment: EVDC is in contact with LALINET to include the data in EVDC with appropriate
compliance.
7. EarthCARE Cal/Val using the NASA Micro Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) – Jasper Lewis
The use of MPLNET (https://mplnet.gsfc.nasa.gov including new sites) for EarthCARE validation(EVID17) was presented. The activity is funded by NASA (2021-2026). Validation plans include (a)Validate aerosol, cloud, and planetary boundary layer heights using L3 MPLNET products; (b) Compare
drizzle occurrence and properties (C-TC, C-CLD); (c) Evaluate EarthCARE-based cirrus datasets for
TOA CRE (top-of-atmosphere cirrus cloud radiative effect) with MPLNET collocated cases and
CALIPSO historical dataset. Preliminary codes have been developed using simulated ATLID datasets.
First tests were performed using CALIPSO observations. Data conversion to GEOMS format for EVDC
is in progress. Coordination with other GALION networks is in the planning.
8. Performance Evaluation of the Rain Mask Algorithm for Global Precipitation Monitoring
Using NASA MPLNET Lidar Network – Simone Lolli
A new Rain Mask Algorithm (RMA; based on lidar depolarization ratio measurements; outputs: rain,
no-rain; 60 sec temporal resolution) has been developed for application in MPLNET lidar products. The
mask will be used in the validation of EarthCARE CPR products. Evaluation of the mask is performed
at ground level against disdrometer data (2 sites; 60 min sampling averaging). Intercomparison shows>78% correct detection of rain events, while some cases are not detected correctly (possibility forfurther improvement of the mask there).
9. AD-Net and SAVER-Net lidar networks for validation of ATLID products – Yoshitaka Jin
During the EarthCARE mission, validation of JAXA ATLID L2a products will be performed using
ground-based lidar and photometer data, collocated in space and time, from AD-Net (3 HSRL, 4
Mie/Raman lidars, and 12 Mie lidars), SAVER-Net (7 Mie lidars in Argentina and Chile), SKYNET(photometers able to retrieve also size distributions), MRI lidar, and a shipborne lidar (JAMSTEC’s
MIRAI vessel). Three sites with HSRL data will be used (Koganei site: HSRL at 355nm and MFMSPLat 355 nm; Tsukuba site: HSRL 355/532 nm; Fukuoka site: HSRL 532 nm) for statistical analysis of26

aerosol and cloud optical properties. The MFMSPL lidar will be used for the evaluation of the ATLID
multiple scattering effect. The MRI lidar (range from 0.1 to 35 km, backscatter and depolarization ratio
uncertainties <10%) at Tsukuba site will be used for the validation of stratospheric aerosol properties.
In case of insufficient data, CALIPSO & Aeolus data will be used for statistical comparisons.

10. Assessment of EarthCare Aerosol and Cloud Products through Ground-Based Measurementsfrom the E-PROFILE and AERONET Networks. (AEROCLOUD) – Francisco Navas-GuzmánThis project will use E-PROFILE (more than 400 Ceilometers in Europe) and AERONET data for
EarthCARE validation (ATLID, MSI, ATLID+CPR, ATLID+CPR+MSI) as new ECVT member (EVID41). The GRASP (Generalized Retrieval of Aerosol and Surface Properties) code will be applied (at 44
stations with co-located sun photometer and ceilometer) to derive automatic optical and microphysicalaerosol properties (vertical and column-integrated). Additionally, new aerosol optical andmicrophysical products will be derived from the synergy of AERONET and ATLID observations(properties from GRASP algorithm). The validation of the EarthCARE and EarthCARE/AERONET
products will be performed with ground-based data (coincidence criteria: 3 hrs and 120 km distancefrom the overpass). The L2 product assessment will be carried out using longer-term observations. Field
campaigns in winter and summer 2025 (Payerne station in Switzerland; AGORA observatory in
Granada-Spain; ACTRIS aerosol and cloud remote sensing facilities, drone measurements, COBALD
sondes, weather stations) will be performed for the validation of the EarthCARE products and the new
retrievals. Funding secured (2023 - 2026).
11. CPR Doppler validation using WINDAS – Yuichi Ohno
This project will use WINDAS network (33 sites of L-band wind profilers in Japan) for CPR Doppler
measurements validation on ice clouds. WINDAS can estimate vertical velocities in ice clouds and/or
rain cases. Ice and snow targets at high altitudes are the cases where WINDAS measurements are mostcomparable to W-band Doppler measurements. Due to the wavelength difference, frequency conversion
should be considered and applied (similarly, wavelength conversion for rain targets will be needed if
rain targets are used). More than 14 WINDAS sites will measure in less than 10 km distance from the
EarthCARE paths and one in less than 1 km distance. Ice/snow echo monthly mean appearance in
WINDAS sites is around 20% in the Southern sites, and more frequent in the Northern sites.
12. The WMO GAW Aerosol Lidar Observation Network (GALION): status and coordinationplans relevant to EarthCARE – Ellsworth J. Welton
GALION is a network of lidar networks organized through the WMO Global Atmospheric Watch(GAW) program providing observations and easy access to lidar data (new data center and website:
http://galion.world). GALION Networks are AD-Net, LALINET, MPLNET, EARLINET/ACTRIS, andNDAAC Lidar. GALION has established standards: Each network has a traceable history of peerreviewed calibration and processing methods. Data harmonization (including metadata andvocabularies) is currently the focus of the network. Centralized coordination with WMO OSCAR for
information/search/discovery/format of data. Harmonization of vocabularies and definitions of
GALION variables to EVDC standards are in process. Intercomparisons and coordination between
GALION members is ongoing (MPLNET-EARLINET, EARLINET-LALINET) as well as
collaboration with Ceilometer networks. Partial funding through CARGO-ACT Horizon EU project(ACTRIS-US collaboration).

27

13. Discussions
Q: Validation is the main discussion topic here, but calibration is also important. Space agencies should
mind the calibration too. Japan is investing heavily in active radar calibration for CPR but that’s the
only one place on Earth. What is the strategy when it comes to looking into the in-orbit variation of
Doppler velocity of reflectivity? Any plans to monitor natural targets like cirrus?
A: ECMWF will monitor regional variations using a global model to compare against simulated
observations of cirrus. During the commissioning phase, there will be dedicated instrument teams which
include the agencies, industry, and scientists. First meetings of CPR and ATLID commissioning teams
have already taken place. Plans for the commissioning of BBR and MSI are being drafted. ESA plans
to include activities beyond immediate instrument calibrations by industry. Algorithm developers will
also contribute to the commissioning phase for Cal/Val of the instruments.

28

7. ESA validation tools and logistics
Chaired by H. Baars, E. Marinou
Secretaries: M. Eisinger, A. Velazquez
No

Title

Speaker

1
2
3
4
5
6

ESA-ECVT logistics
ESA orbit and swath tools
Atmosphere Virtual Lab (AVL)
Level-1 ATLID simulator
MSI-simulator tool
A L1 transformational operator for the objective
evaluation of the EarthCARE Cloud Profiling Radar data
products using suborbital observations
EVDC-Cal/Val database
EVDC-Cal/Val tools

Stephanie Rusli
Montserrat Pinol Solé
Sander Niemeijer
David Donovan
Nils Madenach
Lukas Pfitzenmaier

78

Ann-Mari Fjæräa
Jarek Dobrzanski

1. ESA-ECVT logistics – Stephanie Rusli
The speaker provided important logistical information to the ESA-ECVT, including the upcoming
activities timeline: the EarthCARE validation implementation plan (Jan 2024), the ESA validation
rehearsal (12-23 Feb 2024) and review (21 Mar 2024), the target release of L1 data to ECVT (Aug2024), and the preliminary validation results workshop (Nov 2024). It was mentioned that the launch isscheduled for May 2024 and that CPR check out is soon afterward, BBR after, then ATLID, and finally
MSI. The importance of getting access to three different systems was highlighted: 1. Correlative
databases on EVDC (ESA Validation Data Center), 2. ECVT portal which is the Confluence platform
to exchange information (not data) among the validation teams, and with ESA, 3. EarthCARE data
dissemination system on https://earth.esa.int. For the validation rehearsal, 25 days (1 repeat cycle) of
simulated EarthCARE. data (all ESA L1 and L2 data products) will be made available. EarthCARE data
dissemination system that will be operational after launch will be made accessible during the rehearsal.
Goal for PIs is familiarization with ESA data products and format, tools, and validation infrastructure.
Validation rehearsal is the last chance to test the systems before launch and to provide constructive
feedback to ESA so tools and infrastructure can be improved. For the EarthCARE validation
implementation plan it was highlighted that there is missing information (dedicated posters). It is
important to provide ground station location, so ESA can produce overpass tables. Validation support
tools are presented in the next talks and demos (ESA orbit tools, Atmosphere Virtual Lab, EVDC, AVL,
CIS, L1 tools.). Validation best practices is summarized in a CEOS document.
2. ESA orbit and swath tools – Montserrat Pinol Solé
Two graphical (ESOV and SAMI) and 3 command line tools (ZoneOverPass, TrajectoryOverPass andInstrument collocation tool) for EarthCARE were introduced and examples and animations were
presented. Tools are available to be used either on Windows, Mac or Linux platforms. Recommendation
to validation teams to get familiar with the ESOV tool for the overpasses of regions of interest.
3. Atmosphere Virtual Lab (AVL) – Sander Niemeijer
Focus is on Jupyter notebook environment to simplify the use of EarthCARE data products. Installationis straightforward in Python using “import harp”. This tool supports interactive visualisation of several
parameters. Intercomparisons are also possible with ground data using “harpcollocate”. More details
about AVL can be found on https://atmospherevirtuallab.org/earthcare. Discussion forum is available29

at: https://forum.atmospherictoolbox.org. Note: support for more EarthCARE products are still being
added on request.
4. Level-1 ATLID simulator – David Donovan
A light and flexible simulator to generate realistic ATLID L1 data from ground-based lidar observations(or model data) has been developed. Its main components are lidar radiative transfer and (simple)
instrument model. The simulator should be useful for both ATLID Cal/Val activities and general studies.
The simulator is available via Gitlab: https://gitlab.com/KNMI-OSS/satellite-data-researchtools/cardinal-campaign-tools. Outputs from the simulator, in official ATLID L1 format, can directly be
used by ATLID processors. A variety of examples illustrating its functionality are presented anddiscussed. Status: The instrument model is largely in place, and beta testing is underway. The next
release will be in Jan 2024.
5. MSI-simulator tool – Nils Madenach
A light and flexible, python-based forward simulator for the validation of L1 EarthCARE MSI spectral
radiances and brightness temperatures has been developed. It accounts for the smile effect, uses JSON
input file for the VNS and TIR modules, and the output is provided in official M-RGR format. The
simulator is freely available, integrated in the EVDC site, successfully tested using Cloudnet and
PollyXT lidars, and first validations done using SEVIRI. Input data could also be models.
6. A L1 transformational operator for the objective evaluation of the EarthCARE Cloud Profiling
Radar data products using suborbital observations – Lukas Pfitzenmaier
A simple, python based, L1 CPR forward simulator tool to convert L1 suborbital (surface-based orairborne) measurements to the EarthCARE CPR L1 observations has been presented. It accounts fordifferences in the sampling geometry, measurement uncertainty, and instrument sensitivity. The tool
simulates instrument characteristics (e.g. noise, PRF, along-track integration, vertical resolution). And
allows for a conversion from 35 GHz to 94 GHz. The simulator can be applied to EarthCARE or
CloudSat data evaluation. Examples were presented presented, documentation and publication are being
finalized as well as extension to ARM and RASTA input data.
7. EVDC-Cal/Val database – Ann-Mari Fjæräa
The EVDC ESA Cal/Val database is a central, long-term repository in Europe for archiving andexchange of correlative data for the validation of atmospheric composition products from satellite
platforms such as EarthCARE. It is linked with international archives like AVDC and NDACC. The
EVDC offers various tools and services for Cal/Val PIs and users, such as data search and download,
data submission and formatting, data processing and analysis, orbit prediction and visualization, andsatellite data access. Harmonised (meta) data format is GEOMS HDF/NetCDF. A code for conversion
to GEOMS is available. DOI service (already used by EVID05 (ATMO-ACCESS)) is also offered. Data
agreement needs to be signed prior to accessing the data https://evdc.esa.int. The EVDC will contributeto the "Best practices" document. Team's email address: nadirteam@nilu.no / amf@nilu.no.
8. EVDC-Cal/Val tools – Jarek Dobrzanski
Description of the different tools available at EVDC for the support of the EarthCARE mission. Workis performed by 3 partners of the EVDC: ICHEC, Skytek, and NILU. In particular, the web tool for bothsatellite and correlative products, the cloud processing on supercomputer nodes, the collocation
database and the orbit prediction tools were presented. Access is available via https://evdc.esa.int andregistration is required. Standardised workflows starting from search outputs (collocating, processing,visualisation) can be accommodated. ATLID/CPR/MSI tools described in the previous talk can be
integrated in the workflows. Two examples of visualisation using the workflow were shown.

30

8. Panel discussion
Panel composition: Robin Hogan (chair), Ulla Wandinger, Jason Cole, Dmitri Moisseev,
Hajime Okamoto, Masaki Satoh, Nobuhiro Takahashi, Tomoaki Nishizawa
The discussion was structured around several questions posed by the chair, although with limited time
not all were covered equally.

What L2 algorithms are currently not well covered by Cal/Val activities?
Aerosols would appear to be well covered, but not true terminal velocity of hydrometeors, upward air
motion, 3D reconstruction or radiative closure to 10 W/m2. Are any other L2 retrievals poorly covered,and what can we do about it?
• The surface downwelling longwave and shortwave fluxes are very important variables output
from EarthCARE’s radiative products, but are difficult to evaluate because of the rarity of direct
overpasses (see next section). It would be extremely valuable to analyse not only the limited
number of BSRN sites, but also the more extensive database used by Martin Wild, such as
GEBA (global energy balance archive) and ocean buoys.
• Tethered Balloons measurements (e.g. TROPOS) could be useful for vertical profiles ofradiation and winds, including in clouds.
• It was asked whether Level-1 BBR measurements are covered, but was confirmed that there
will be a programme of comparison with both CERES and GERB.

How do we overcome the point-site rare-overpass problem?
Much of our Cal/Val effort is focussed around ground-based observations that will experience few (orzero) direct overpasses. Can we overcome this with statistical analysis, scanning cloud & weather
radars, a dense networks of surface stations, or other imaging satellites?
• For clouds that decorrelate rapidly, the problem is especially difficult.
• Using 3D-constructed data across track to match the point-site observation can help (the 3Dconstruction algorithm uses the MSI radiances to fill out the swath by selecting the nadir radarlidar profile that best matches the off-nadir MSI pixel in terms of radiances). Geostationary andother satellite data could be helpful to match them.
• Most cloud radars are only capable of vertical profile observations (for these observations
statistical analysis can be applied). Some cloud radars are capable of scanning, and theapplicability of such observations for Cal/Val should be studied, but what are their limitations,e.g. scan speed, maximum range etc? Can we obtain data from more scanning radars?
Recommendations have been provided on scanning strategies to the ACTRIS cloud profiling
stations by ACTRIS Centre for Cloud Remote Sensing (CCRES), using input from FRM4radar.
• Can we use weather radar for context? Weather radars are used especially for precipitation
nowcasting and validation, but the data are not always open (apart from US NEXRAD and
OPERA). But then it would probably be more interesting to compare rainfall estimates from
EarthCARE directly with those from weather radar, which use a much more suitablewavelength for rainfall.
• For some cloud products an option may be to combine wind information with non-collocatedmeasurements using advection/trajectories.
• Can we use models in some way to help co-location? The assimilated model data might
conceivably be useful for matching. It is important to point out in response to this comment andthe previous one that there are already large uncertainties in comparing one remotely sensed
quantity to another, so if we need to use winds and models to try to match them up then the
additional errors are likely to render one observation incapable of “validating” the other.

31•

It was pointed out that many of the discussion points here had been covered in the ACPV
activity, and the panellists were invited to contribute to that by reviewing the “best practices”
document.

Some observations/retrievals we trust more than others, but which?
Generally speaking, there is a hierarchy of trust in various types of observations that will be comparedto EarthCARE, but do we agree on this hierarchy? For example, we tend to most trust in-situ samplingfrom aircraft (recognising that even this has uncertainties). Also trusted are “direct” lidar products
such as ceilometer cloud base, 355nm HSRL/Raman extinction profiles. On the other hand,observations that are not going to “validate” EarthCARE are things like remote cloud microphysicalretrievals, since their errors tend to be dominated by the same assumptions as EarthCARE retrievals(but the comparisons are still extremely interesting). Cal/Val participants should also be aware that the
CPR and ATLID backscatter measurements will not be calibrated by ground-based radar and lidar;
experience with previous missions suggest the calibration is more likely to be the other way around.
• How can we get more underflights with in-situ sampling?
• V Chandrasekar said that calibration of ground-based radars needs to be addressed before they
are used for calibration/validation. Kotska Wallace summarized the calibration plans for the
CPR and ATLID, but more ARC calibration stations around the world would be beneficial.

Mechanism to improve algorithms or release experimental versions?
The L2 teams will struggle to account for all the information coming from the Cal/Val activities as they
improve the algorithms in the early part of the mission – how could we release experimental versionsof the products, and should we aim for an open-source release of the retrieval code so that others canrun them and propose changes?
• It was agreed that it is unclear how best to communicate findings from the Cal/Val team to theL2 team, and to receive feedback, without overwhelming the L2 team.
• Open-source software release would be helpful because it would allow the validation activities
to be extended to include validation of physical assumptions used in the retrievals.
• One approach would be a computational sandbox for EarthCARE, for example as being
proposed in the ‘MAAP’ concept (Multi-mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform, involving
multiple space agencies). This would facilitate experimentation with different algorithm
versions. The operational processor evolution could then be based on evolution based on
consolidated and prioritised feedback. However, there will potentially be conflicting
information from different field campaigns, and algorithm changes may have significant
downstream consequences (e.g. on radiative closure) so members of the Cal/Val team should
be realistic in their expectations of how quickly the L2 team can incorporate their proposedchanges into official algorithm versions.

Data provision vs. data use
Submission of data to the EVDC is important, even if there is no funding for work on analysing the datafor validation purposes. We should identify capacity and funding for looking at many datasets (fromthe EVDC). Are any important networks/sites at risk of being discontinued (e.g. the ATMO-ACCESS
pilot)?

Publications
Should we initiate a separate journal special issue on EarthCARE Cal/Val, or instead a combined
special issue covering general EarthCARE science including Cal/Val? Benefit for data providers could
be co-authorship in publications.

32

•

•

There was general support for the suggestion to go for a combined Science & Cal/Val special
issue (SI), probably as a multi-journal Copernicus SI involving ACP and AMT. This will be
initiated by members of the JMAG shortly after launch.
Questions: what are the mechanisms for motivating data submission to the EVDC? How can
we best work together as a community? The EVDC authorship policy should be stated clearlyso that Cal/Val data providers get adequate recognition for their work.

Communication tools and access to communication channels
We need good communication channels and easy access to them for all who work on validation, butthere are currently many issues regarding access to ESA’s Confluence (such as the need to whitelist IP
addresses). Should we also set up smaller working groups to tackle specific problems, specific cloudtypes etc.?
• Regarding working groups, satellite groups (for example) below these groups can be‘organically’ managed (self-organised, keeping others informed via subpages of confluence). It
would be good to create an initial list of ‘seed topics’, or perhaps organise a (sub)group per
geophysical parameter?
• We need to enhance collaboration with modelling communities. They include those in climate
modelling who engage in CMIP activities, those in global km-scale modelling who participate
in the DYAMOND-like intercomparison experiments, and those in operational weathermodelling who assimilate satellite observations in numerical models to produce better 3D cloud
and aerosol analysis fields.

33Annex A: Mapping of Projects to PI Talks
ESA/
JAXA ID

PI, Speaker

Talk title

RemarkJ-1

Hajime Okamoto

J-2
E-22

TomoakiNishizawa

Covered under
PI talks
Covered under
PI talks

J-3

Hiroaki Horie

Validation studies of L2 cloud products by
CPR, CPR-ATLID and CPR-ATLID-MSI
Validation of the EarthCARE ATLID and
MSI products using ground-based lidar andsunphotometry measurements
Validation Plan for CPR ECO ProductJ-4

TakashiNakajima

Lessons learned from the GCOMC(Shikisai)/SGLI cloud observations

J-5

Kentaroh Suzuki,
Akira Yamauchi

J-6

Kaori Sato,
Hajime Okamoto

J-7

Ohigashi
Tadayasu

Development and Validation of the Japanese
EarthCARE 4-sensor standard algorithm forradiation fluxes
Assessment of the environmental conditions
for the generation of ice particle types from
A-train observations
Validation plan for EarthCARE/CPR using
scanning Ka-band cloud radar

J-8

Kazuma Aoki

E-01

Nicolas Clerbaux

E-03

Ulla Wandinger

E-04

Christophe
GenthonHolger Baars

E-05

E-06
E-07
E-08

Norman Loeb
EduardoLandulfo
Dmitri Moisseev

E-09

Jean-Baptiste
RenardE-10

Julien Delanoë

E-11

Gianluigi Liberti

E-12
E-14

Detlef Müller,
Rui Song
Arnoud Apituley

E-15

Philippe Goloub

Aerosol optical properties and validation planby using Sky radiometer
EarthCARE BBR L1 and L2 Products
Assessment
GIVE - the German Initiative for the
Validation of EarthCARE
SPACECARE: Study of Precipitation in the
AntarctiC with EarthCARE
EVID05: The new structure of the ACTRISrelated contribution to EarthCARE Cal/Val AECARELALINET EarthCARE Cal/Val Activities
EarthCARE validation activities in Finland
Strategy of measurements with the lightballoon aerosols counter LOAC for thevalidation of EarthCare (BAIVEC project)
MORECALVAL: MObile Radar-LidarRadiometer EarthCare CAL/VAL project
An Italian coordinated contribution to the
Validation of EarthCARE products fromthree atmospheric observatories in theCentral Mediterranean Sea
LITES: cal/val with lidar in Hatfield, UK
Updates for the Cabauw activities for
EarthCARE evaluation (CECARE)-

Covered under
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Covered underLessons
LearnedCovered under
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Not presented
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Poster only

34

E-16
E-17

E-18
E-19
E-20
E-21
E-23

E-24
E-25
E-26

Abhay
Devasthale
EllsworthWelton,Jasper Lewis
Robert Oscar
David
Damien Josset
Xiuqing Hu,
Xuan Wang
V.
Chandrashekar
Vassilis
Amiridis, Eleni
Marinou
Helene Chepfer,
Artem Feofilov
David Donovan

E-27
E-28
E-29
E-30

Simone Tanelli,
Ousmane Sy
Perez-Ramirez
Yannis Markonis
Noelle ScottDavid Winker

E-31

Zhipeng Qu

E-32

Chris Hostetler

E-33

Peter Völger

E-34

Gottfried
Kirchengast,
Andreas Kvas

E-35

Vaughan Phillips

E-36

Larisa Sogacheva

E-37

Thorwald Stein,
Kamil Mroz

E-38

Kerstin Stebel-

Not presented

EarthCARE Cal/Val Using the NASA Micro
Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET)

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ALIVIO: Norwegian Cal/Val Efforts

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Not presented
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Preparation for the validation of EarthCARE
Product in China
Physical validation of EarthCARE products
The Mediterranean EarthCARE Cal/Val
experiment ACROSS
Statistically Based Calibration/Validation
Control of ATLID L1 data
Cabauw Lidar observations for ATLID L1
and L2a product evaluation
Calibration and Validation of EarthCARE’s
Cloud Profiling Radar Products
Looking Back on Lessons Learned fromCALIPSO Validation
The Arctic POlar Night EXperiment(PONEX) Aircraft Campaign to Assess
EarthCARE's cloud property retrieval
algorithms
EarthCARE Calibration and Validation
Using the NASA LaRC Airborne HSRL-2
Validation of ATLID lidar data by means ofground-based lidar measurements in northern
SwedenWEGN4CARE: The WegenerNet 3D OpenAir Laboratory for Climate Change Researchand its Potential for the Validation ofEarthCARE Cloud and Precipitation
Products
Validate Cloud Profiling Radar on
EarthCARE against Aircraft Observations of
Cirriform Cloud
AVE-ECARE: validation and evaluation ofEarthCARE aerosol products.
Calibration and Validation of EarthCARE
Retrieved Products Using Measurementsfrom the UK Facility for Airborne
Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM)
Norwegian initiative for EarthCARE
Validation of Aerosol uncertainties andRadiation products in the Arctic (NEVAR)

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Poster only
Not presented
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Covered underLessons
LearnedCovered undercampaigns

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35

E-39
E-40

RodanthiElisavet Mamouri
James Mather

E-41

Francisco NavasGuzmán

E-42

Daniel Cecil

Prospective

Haoran Li

Prospective

Grisa Mocnik

Prospective

Thomas Popp

Prospective

Iwona
Stachlewska
Guangyao Dai

Prospective

CORAL - Cyprus Observations for
EarthCare vALidation
Combining EarthCare and ARM facility
measurements for validation and research
applications
Assessment of EarthCare Aerosol and Cloud
Products through Ground-Based
Measurements from the E-PROFILE and
AERONET Networks. (AEROCLOUD)
NASA Atmosphere Observing System(AOS)
Validation of EarthCARE doppler with
Chinese cloud radar network, and retrievalswith tropical triple-frequency radars
In-situ airborne measurements during Aeolus
Cal/Val JATAC campaigns – relevance for
EarthCARE aerosol products
Extinction validation fromUmweltforschungsstation Schneefernerhaus(UFS) - a proposal for additional validation
measurements
EMORAL lidar observations for EarthCARE
Cal/Val Activities and beyond
Validation for the EarthCARE observations
with use of spaceborne lidar ACDL andground-based lidar-net over China

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Annex B: Validation Workshop Programme
Day 3: Wed 15 November 2023
Time
Min Title
Speaker
Session: Lessons Learned, Chairs: L. Baldini, K. Suzuki (Secretaries: S. Rusli, T. Tanaka)
14:45
15
Introduction by JAXA+ESA
Robert Koopman,
Toshiyuki Tanaka
15:00
12
Looking Back on Lessons Learned from CALIPSODavid Winker
Validation
15:12
12
Lessons learnt from Aeolus Cal/Val
Sebastian Bley
15:24
12
Lessons learned from the GCOM-C(Shikisai)/SGLITakashi Nakajima
cloud observations
15:36
12
Validation activities for dual-frequency precipitation
Nobuhiro Takahashi
radar (DPR) onboard GPM core observatory
15:48
12
Introduction to EarthCARE DISC
Timon Hummel
16:00
30
Coffee break
Session: Best Practice and PI Talks, Chairs: D. Winker, N. Takahashi (Secretaries: R.
Koopman, T. Hummel, V. Tzallas)
16:30
3
Session intro(Chairs)
16:33
5
Physical validation of EarthCARE Products
Chandra V.
Chandrasekar
16:38
5
Validation of EarthCARE doppler with Chinese cloud
Haoran Li
radar network, and retrievals with tropical triplefrequency radars
16:43
5
Validate Cloud Profiling Radar on EarthCARE against
Vaughan Phillips
Aircraft Observations of Cirriform Cloud
16:48
5
Statistically Based Calibration/Validation Control of
Artem Feofilov
ATLID L1 data
16:53
12
Defining validation protocols for space-borne aerosol
Vassilis Amiridis
and cloud profile products
17:05
12
Representativity of air- and spaceborne radar-lidar
Florian Ewald
measurements
17:17
12
Near real-time validation of EarthCARE observations
Mark Fielding
through monitoring within a data assimilation system
17:29
61
Demos/Poster session
18:30
30
End of Day
Day 4: Thu 16 November 2023
Time Min Title
Speaker
Session: Airborne Campaigns 1, Chairs: S. Gross, J. Delanoë (Secretaries: H. Baars, T. Fehr)
9:15
3
Session intro(Chairs)
9:18
12
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Ed Nowottnick
Elastic Backscatter Lidar Efforts Relevant to EarthCare
Calibration/Validation and Synergistic Data Products
9:30
12EarthCARE Calibration and Validation Using the NASA
Chris Hostetler
LaRC Airborne HSRL-2
9:42
12
The Arctic POlar Night EXperiment (PONEX) Aircraft
Zhipeng Qu
Campaign to Assess EarthCARE's cloud property
retrieval algorithm
9:54
10Calibration and Validation of EarthCARE’s Cloud
Ousmane Sy
Profiling Radar Data Products
10:04 10
Norwegian EarthCARE Cal/Val Efforts
Robert Oscar David37

10:1410

Calibration and Validation of EarthCARE Retrieved
Kamil Mroz
Products Using Measurements from the UK Facility for
Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM)
10:24 10The Mediterranean EarthCARE Cal/Val experiment
Eleni Marinou
ACROSS
10:34 40
Discussion
11:14 31
Coffee break
Session: Airborne Campaigns 2, Chairs: P. Kollias, D. Donovan (Secretaries: E. Marinou,
J.von Bismarck)
11:45 3Session intro(Chairs)
11:48 10Strategy of measurements with the light balloon aerosols Jean-Baptiste Renard
counter LOAC for the validation of EarthCare (BAIVEC
project)
11:58 10
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and other observations for theFranco Marenco
cal/val of EarthCARE
12:08 10In-situ airborne measurements during Aeolus Cal/Val
Griša Močnik
JATAC campaigns – relevance for EarthCARE aerosol
products
12:18 12In-situ airborne measurements during Aeolus Cal/Val
Silke Gross
JATAC campaigns – relevance for EarthCARE aerosol
products
12:30 12BOWTIE – The shipborne Trans-ITCZ Experiment
Julia Windmiller
12:42 12MORECALVAL: MObile Radar-Lidar-Radiometer
Julien Delanoë
EarthCare CAL/VAL project
12:54 12
PACE-PAX
Kirk Knobelspiesse
13:06 35
Discussion
13:41 64
Lunch break
Session: Accepted and prospective PI Talks, Chairs: N. Clerbaux, Y. Ohno (Secretaries: A.
Velazquez, T. Tanaka)
14:45 3Session intro(Chairs)
14:48 5Development and Validation of the Japanese EarthCARE
Akira Yamauchi
4-sensor standard algorithm for radiation fluxes
14:53 5
Aerosol optical properties and validation plan by using
Kazuma Aoki
Sky radiometer
14:58 5
Validation Plan for CPR ECO Product
Hiroaki Horie
15:03 8GIVE - the German Initiative for the Validation of
Ulla Wandinger
EarthCARE
15:11 10
AVE-ECARE: validation and evaluation of EarthCARE
Larisa Sogacheva
aerosol products.
15:21 10
Norwegian initiative for EarthCARE Validation of
Kerstin Stebel
Aerosol uncertainties and Radiation products in the
Arctic (NEVAR)
15:31 10Extinction validation from Umweltforschungsstation
Thomas Popp
Schneefernerhaus (UFS) - a proposal for additional
validation measurements
15:41 34
Coffee BreakSession: Tools, Logistics and prospective PI talks, Chairs: H. Baars, E. Marinou (Secretaries:
M. Eisinger, A. Velazquez)
16:15 3Session intro(Chairs)
16:18 10EMORAL lidar observations for EarthCARE Cal/Val
Iwona S. Stachlewska
Activities and beyond

38

16:28

10

16:38
16:53
16:58
17:03
17:08
17:13

15
5
5
5
5
5

17:18
17:23
17:28
18:30

5
5
62

Validation for the EarthCARE observations with use of
spaceborne lidar ACDL and ground-based lidar-net over
China
ESA-ECVT logistics
ESA orbit tools
Atmosphere Virtual Lab
Level-1 ATLID simulator
MSI-simulator tool
A L1 transformational operator for the objective
evaluation of the EarthCARE Cloud Profiling Radar data
products using suborbital observations
EVDC-Cal/Val database
EVDC-Cal/Val tools
Demos.and poster session
End of Day

Guangyao Dai

Stephanie Rusli
Montserrat Pinol Sole
Sander Niemeijer
David Donovan
Nils Madenach
Lukas Pfitzenmaier

Ann Mari Fjaeraa
Jarek Dobrzanski

Day 5: Fri 17 November 2023
Time Min Title
Speaker
Session: Networks and PI Talks 1, Chairs: L. Baldini, T. Nishizawa (Secretaries: H. Baars, T.
Tanaka)9:15
3
Session intro(Chairs)
9:18
5
Validation studies of L2 cloud products by CPR, CPRHajime Okamoto
ATLID and CPR-ATLID-MSI
9:23
5
EarthCARE validation activities in Finland
Dmitri Moisseev
9:28
5
WEGN4CARE: The WegenerNet 3D Open-Air
Andreas Kvas
Laboratory for Climate Change Research and its
Potential for the Validation of EarthCARE Cloud andPrecipitation Products
9:33
5
An Italian coordinated contribution to the Validation of
Gianluigi Liberti
EarthCARE products from three atmosphericobservatories in the Central Mediterranean Sea
9:38
10
A 94-GHz Radar Network in Europe for the Calibration
Lukas Pfitzenmaier
and Validation of Spaceborne Cloud Profiling Data
Products
9:48
10
CORAL - Cyprus Observations for EarthCare
Rodanthi Elisavet
vALidation
Mamouri
9:58
10
Combining EarthCare and ARM facility measurements
James Mather
for validation and research applications
10:08 10
EarthCARE Cal/Val preparation activity in theHolger Baars
framework of the European Project ATMO-ACCESS
10:18 5
EVID05: The new structure of the ACTRIS-related
Holger Baars
contribution to EarthCARE Cal/Val - AECARE
10:23 5LALINET EarthCARE Cal/Val Activities
Eduardo Landulfo
10:28 5
Validation plan for EarthCARE/CPR using scanning KaTadayahu Ohigashi
band cloud radar
10:33 5
EarthCARE BBR L1 and L2 Products Assessment
Nicolas Clerbaux
10:38 5Preparation for the validation of EarthCARE Product inXuan Wang
China
10:43 20
Discussion
11:03 22
Coffee break
Session: Networks and PI Talks 2, Chairs: U. Wandinger, T. Y. Nakajima (Secretaries: E.
Marinou, T. Hummel, V.Tzallas)
11:25 3Session intro(Chairs)39

11:28

5

11:33

5

11:38
11:43

5
5

11:48

5

11:53

5

11:58

5

12:03

5

12:08

10

12:18

10

12:28

10

12:38
12:48

10
12

13:00
13:20
13:40

20
20
60

14:40
14:45

5

Assessment of the environmental conditions for thegeneration of ice particle types from A-train observations
SPACECARE: Study of Precipitation in the AntarctiC
with EarthCARE – not presented
LITES: cal/val with lidar in Hatfield, UK
Validation of ATLID lidar data by means of groundbased lidar measurements in northern Sweden
Cabauw Lidar observations for ATLID L1 and L2a
product evaluation
Updates for the Cabauw activities for EarthCARE
evaluation (CECARE)
EarthCARE Cal/Val Using the NASA Micro Pulse Lidar
Network (MPLNET)
Validation of the EarthCARE ATLID and MSI products
using ground-based lidar and sunphotometry
measurements
Performance Evaluation of the Rain Mask Algorithm for
Global Precipitation Monitoring Using NASA MPLNET
Lidar Network
AD-Net and SAVER-Net lidar networks for validation of
ATLID products
Assessment of EarthCare Aerosol and Cloud Products
through Ground-Based Measurements from the EPROFILE and AERONET Networks. (AEROCLOUD)CPR Doppler validation using WINDASThe WMO GAW Aerosol Lidar Observation Network(GALION): status and coordination plans relevant toEarthCARE
Discussion
Sandwich break
Panel discussion

Hajime Okamoto
Christophe Genthon –not present
Detlef Müller
Peter VölgerDavid Donovan
Arnoud Apituley
Jasper Lewis
Tomoaki Nishizawa

Simone Lolli

Yoshitaka Jin
Francisco NavasGuzmán
Yuichi Ohno
Judd Welton

Ulla Wandinger,
Robin Hogan,
Jason Cole,
Dmitri Moisseev,
Hajime Okamoto,
Masaki Satoh,Nobuhiro Takahashi,Tomoaki Nishizawa

Closing
End of Conference40