EarthCARE satellite's cloud radar data used operationally for first time to improve global weather forecasts
Summary
The European Space Agency's EarthCARE satellite, originally developed for climate research on clouds and aerosols, has achieved a landmark milestone: its cloud profiling radar data is now being used operationally by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to improve daily weather forecasts. This marks the first time cloud radar data from space has been assimilated into a global weather forecasting system, demonstrating a direct practical benefit from a research mission. The cloud profiling radar penetrates clouds to provide detailed information on location, vertical structure, particle fall velocity, particle size and distribution, and water content.
Source
bskyEarthCARE satellite's cloud radar data used operationally for first time to improve global weather forecastsesa.intKey quotes
· 4 pulledEarthCARE's cloud profiling radar is essential for studying cloud processes, such as their formation and dissipation.
It penetrates through clouds – providing detailed information on location, vertical structure, particle fall velocity, particle size and distribution, and water content.
For climate research, EarthCARE observations are helping to...
This landmark achievement marks the first time that cloud radar data from space have been assimilated into a global weather forecasting system.
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