The October 27-28, 1986, FIRE cirrus case study: Cloud microstructure

Using aircraft in-situ measurements, the microphysics of cirrus clouds observed on 28 Oct. 1986 during FIRE were examined. Results are presented as one component of a coordinated study of the cirrus on the day. The study contributes to the understanding of cold clouds by: (1) providing microphysical data to supplement satellite and aircraft data for investigating cirrus cloud radiative effects; (2) providing more complete information on ice particle evolution and cloud forcing mechanisms than has been available through the use of instrumentation with higher resolution and more accurate calibration; (3) expanding the knowledge of the particle characteristics in cold liquid water clouds, through improved instrumentation and by making use of sensors on other platforms, such as lidar; and (4) by estimating the ice nucleus concentrations active at low temperatures in the upper troposphere from the concentrations of ice particles in colloidally stable liquid water clouds.