EarthCARE synergy reveals atmospheric heating rates

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 exactly how clouds and aerosols influence the heating and cooling of our atmosphere. The image, using data from 18 September 2024, shows where clouds are absorbing 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. 
 
Read full story: EarthCARE synergy reveals the power of clouds and aerosols