Study of thin clouds at CNR-IMAA Atmospheric Observatory (CIAO)

Space-based measurements allow us to study atmospheric variables at global scale, but ground-based observations are necessary for calibration and validation [GCOS, 2006]. Upcoming satellite missions aim at showing the benefit coming from the availability of technological improvements and innovations. However, research is necessary to improve retrieval algorithms of atmospheric variables and to assess the real advances in the knowledge of weather and climate. Quality-controlled vertical profiles of atmospheric key variables provided by ground-based advanced atmospheric observatories represent the optimal basis for the satellite cal/val programs. So far, atmospheric observatories are working towards the development of new observation strategies and the full exploitation of the synergy among active and passive profiling sensors. This is highly relevant for the new generation satellites equipped with multiple sensors on board the same observation platform.