A new data set of ensemble cloud retrievals from the March 2000 intensive observational period at the Southern Great Plains Central Facility is now available in the ARM Data Archive evaluation area. The new data set uses the baseline cloud microphysical algorithm, known as MICROBASE, along with a variance-based method that varies the empirical parameters within the MICROBASE retrieval algorithm and is called MICROBASE Ensemble Data Products (MICROBASEEN) for Cloud Retrievals. The primary goal of these data is to provide uncertainty information including means, standard deviations, and full probabilistic distributions of MICROBASE-retrieved quantities (i.e., liquid water content, ice water content, and particle size) at each vertical layer.
Produced in netCDF format, the MICROBASEEN data set enables a probabilistic description of the retrieved quantities that considers the uncertainty in the empirical retrieval algorithm parameters. This data set will facilitate objective validation of climate models against cloud retrievals under a framework for rigorous statistical inferences. A long-term MICROBASEEN data set, including different seasons and cloud types, could be produced using the same method, depending on feedback and user needs received during the evaluation period.
Feedback and use of the data are welcomed and encouraged. For questions or to report data problems, please contact Xiao Chen or Shaocheng Xie. To access this data set, log in to the ARM Data Archive. (Go here to request an account).
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The ARM Climate Research Facility is a national scientific user facility funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The ARM Facility is operated by nine Department of Energy national laboratories.