Cloud characteristics over the Yunnan–Guizhou plateau as observed by MODIS and Himawari‐8

Abstract

Cloud descriptions and parameterizations are major sources of uncertainty in weather and climate modelling studies. In this study, we investigated the cloud properties over the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau (YGP) by using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Himawari‐8 (H8_Japan and H8_Zhuge) cloud datasets. Corresponding to their distinct terrain features, the cloud climate patterns on the western and eastern sides of the YGP are different. Our results show that the spatial patterns of the cloud parameters in all three datasets are very similar over the YGP, especially the cloud cover and cloud effective radius. The high cloud frequency region is located to the east of Yunnan–Guizhou quasi‐stationary front in cold season, and the largest gradient is along front. On frontal days, the regional differences in the cloud properties over the YGP are much more obvious, with the cloud cover across the front increasing from ~20%–35% on its western side to more than 95% on its eastern side. Furthermore, higher thin clouds with larger cloud effective radius typically exist on the western side of the front, while lower thick clouds with smaller particles appear on its eastern side. This study enhances our understanding how cloud characteristics impact by the frontal system and provide a valuable insight for the design and improvement of cloud microphysics parameters in weather forecast models over the YGP region.