A ground-based multisensor cloud phase classifier

A method for classifying cloud phase from a suite of ground-based sensors is outlined. The method exploits the complementary strengths of cloud radar, depolarization lidar, microwave radiometer, and temperature soundings to classify clouds observed in the vertical column as ice, snow, mixed-phase, liquid, drizzle, rain, or aerosol. Although the classification has been specifically designed for observations of Arctic clouds, the general framework is applicable to other locations with minor modifications. An example classification demonstrates the application to actual measurements.