Advancements in Satellite and Ground-Based Retrievals for Aerosol and Cloud Characterization

Dear Colleagues,

Aerosols and clouds are critical components of the Earth's atmosphere, playing vital roles in climate regulation, weather patterns, and air quality. Accurate characterization of their properties, including their optical, microphysical, and radiative characteristics, as well as their spatial and temporal distribution, is essential for addressing key environmental challenges. Both satellite and ground-based remote sensing techniques provide unique and valuable perspectives for observing these atmospheric constituents. Satellite platforms offer global and continuous coverage, while ground-based instruments provide high sensitivity, detailed vertical information, and crucial validation capabilities. Continued advancements in retrieval algorithms and observational techniques for both satellite and ground-based platforms are crucial for improving our understanding of aerosols and clouds and their complex interactions. Furthermore, the synergistic use of these complementary datasets holds immense potential for more comprehensive and accurate characterization.

This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in the retrieval of aerosol and cloud properties from both satellite and ground-based measurements. We welcome contributions that focus on novel algorithm development, innovative observational strategies, validation efforts, and studies that leverage the unique strengths of each data source. We also encourage submissions that explore synergistic approaches to enhance aerosol and cloud characterization. The subject of this Special Issue directly aligns with the journal's scope in remote sensing, emphasizing the cutting-edge use of remotely sensed data and related surface-based observations for atmospheric and environmental research.

We encourage submissions covering a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to the following:

• Novel satellite retrieval algorithms for aerosol and cloud properties, including those which address uncertainties and limitations.
• Advancements in ground-based remote sensing techniques (lidar, radar, sun photometers, etc.) for detailed aerosol and cloud characterization.
• Validation and intercomparison of satellite and ground-based aerosol and cloud products.
• Synergistic studies that combine satellite and ground-based measurements for enhanced aerosol and cloud property retrievals.
• Investigations into aerosol–cloud interactions using both satellite and ground-based observations.
• Retrieval of aerosol and cloud properties in challenging environments or under specific atmospheric conditions.
• Development and applications of new instrumentation and observational networks for aerosol and cloud monitoring.
• Studies focusing on the retrieval of specific aerosol or cloud properties (e.g., aerosol composition, ice cloud microphysics).
• Applications of advanced data processing and machine learning techniques for improving aerosol and cloud retrievals from both platforms.

Dr. Deaconu Lucia
Dr. Haipeng Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Remote Sensing is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• aerosols
• clouds
• satellite remote sensing
• ground-based measurements
• aerosol–cloud interactions
• validation
• machine learning
• retrieval algorithms