Developing A Multi-Year Ensemble Cloud Retrieval Properties Dataset (ECLDRET) from Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Observations

To address large uncertainties in current cloud retrievals, a multi-year cloud retrieval dataset is being created by assembling existing Atmospheric Radiation Measurements program (ARM) cloud data retrieved from using multiple cloud retrieval algorithms. Individual cloud retrieval data are being reorganized onto a uniform temporal and spatial grid for easy use by climate modelers. Currently, total 7 different cloud retrievals over many years are included in the dataset with 3 or 4 different retrievals available for each of the five ARM permanent research sites: SGP, NSA, and TWP-C1 (Manus), C2 (Nauru), and C3 (Darwin). In this paper, we will provide an overview of the cloud property ensemble dataset, demonstrate the value of the ensemble cloud retrieval data product, and present results from initial analysis of the different cloud retrievals.