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In-Situ Measurements of Cirrus Clouds on a Global Scale
  • +3
  • Gary Lloyd,
  • Martin Gallagher,
  • Tom Choularton,
  • Martina Krämer,
  • Andreas Petzold,
  • Darrel Baumgardner
Gary Lloyd
University of Manchester

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Martin Gallagher
University of Manchester
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Tom Choularton
University of Manchester
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Martina Krämer
Research Center Jülich
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Andreas Petzold
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
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Darrel Baumgardner
Droplet Measurement Technologies
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Abstract

Observations of high-altitude cirrus clouds are reported from measurements made during routine monitoring of cloud properties on commercial aircraft as part of In-Service Aircraft for a Global Observing System. The global scale of the measurements is revealed, with 7 years of in-situ data producing a unique and rapidly growing dataset. We find cloud fractions measured >=10km at aircraft cruise altitude are representative of seasonal trends associated with the mid latitude jet stream in the northern hemisphere, and the relatively higher cloud fractions found in tropical regions such as the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone and South East Asia. The characteristics of these clouds are discussed and the potential different formation mechanisms in different regions assessed.