EarthCARE detects atmospheric heating

With the initial images from each of the instruments aboard ESA’s EarthCARE satellite now in hand, it's time to reveal how these four advanced sensors work in synergy to measure how clouds and aerosols influence the heating and cooling of our atmosphere.

The image here highlights the overall heating effect of cirrus clouds, particularly in their upper layers, is evident where the clouds absorb both solar radiation as well as thermal radiation from the Earth’s surface. This warming effect is interrupted where the cloud thickens and larger ice particles form, blocking the thermal radiation being emitted from Earth’s surface. In these denser regions, the cloud top cools by emitting thermal radiation into space. Despite these localised cooling effects, cirrus clouds contribute to the overall warming of the atmosphere.

Read full story: EarthCARE synergy reveals the power of clouds and aerosols