ERA5 Reanalysis for the Data Interpretation on Polarization Laser Sensing of High-Level Clouds

Interpreting the results of a high-level clouds (HLCs) lidar study requires a comparison with the vertical profiles of meteorological quantities. There are no regular radiosonde measurements of vertical profiles of meteorological quantities in Tomsk. The nearest aerological stations are several hundred kilometers away from the lidar and perform radiosonde measurements only a few times a day, whereas lidar experiments are performed continuously throughout the day. To estimate meteorological conditions at the HLC altitudes, we propose to use the ERA5 reanalysis. Its reliability was tested by comparing with the data from five aerological stations within a radius of 500 km around Tomsk. A labeled database of the lidar, radiosonde, and ERA5 data (2016-2020) for isobaric levels 1000-50 hPa was created. The temperature reconstruction error over the entire altitude range was characterized by an RMSE of 0.8-2.8 degrees C, bias of 0-0.9, and Corr similar to 1. The accuracy of the relative vertical profiles (RMSE 25-40%, Bias 10-22%, and Corr <0.7) and specific humidity (RMSE 0.2-1.2 g/kg, Bias similar to 0 g/kg, and Corr similar to 0) at the HLC altitudes were unsatisfying. The ERA5 data on wind direction and speed for the HLC altitudes were promising.

Automated summary

Interpreting HLC lidar study results requires comparing with meteorological quantities' vertical profiles. Regular radiosonde measurements of vertical profiles are not available in Tomsk. The nearest aerological stations are far from the lidar and perform radiosonde measurements only a few times a day, while lidar experiments are continuously conducted. To estimate meteorological conditions at HLC altitudes, ERA5 reanalysis is proposed. Its reliability was tested by comparing with data from nearby aerological stations. A labeled database of lidar, radiosonde, and ERA5 data was created for isobaric levels 1000-50 hPa.