CRISTA-NF high resolution PSC observations during the RECONCILE campaign

The CRISTA-NF (Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescope for the Atmosphere -New Frontiers) instrument measures limb-emissions in the mid-infrared region with a high vertical (up to 250m) and horizontal (15 km) resolution onboard the Russian research aircraft M55-Geophysica. The instrument participated successfully in the RECONCILE and PremierEX campaign in January and March 2010 in Kiruna. During the first phase of the campaign in Jan-uary Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSC) were observed by several different instruments, airborne insitu and lidar measurements as well as measurements by satellite instruments (CALIPSO, MIPAS-ENV). IR limb sounder are very sensitive in respect to cloud detection, especially for optically thin cirrus clouds and PSCs. We want to give an overview of the high resolution PSC observations by CRISTA-NF in comparison to other sensors. The presented results are strongly related to future satellite missions like the proposed PREMIER IR limb sounder, which shall provide a similar vertical and horizontal resolution. The results will illustrate the potential of the PREMIER instrument in respect to cloud detection and cloud screening for trace gas retrievals.