Investigation on the spatiotemporal and vertical structure of ice cloud and aerosol parameters from multi-source satellite datasets (2007-2021) over the Tarim Basin, China

Aerosol effects upon ice clouds remain the most considerable uncertainty of the global climate forcing uncertainties. Dust aerosol and ice cloud properties over Tarim Basin (TB), China, from 2007 to 2021 are analyzed based on the simultaneously retrieved multiple satellite observations. The present study examines the variations and potential interaction mechanisms among different ice clouds and aerosol parameters such as ice water content (IWC), ice water path (IWP), aerosol extinction coefficient (EC), and aerosol optical depth (AOD). The results showed a strong agreement between IWC and EC with the steeper vertical variation and the maximum median in summer. The interannual variability of IWC, IWP, and AOD bear reasonable natural climate variability with steady changes and showed a significant seasonal cycle with IWC and IWP. Whereas the AOD median depicted maximum in the summer or spring season. Also, the correlation studies are presented utilizing the satellite data where the correlation coefficient is a maximum of 0.65 for AOD-OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) with IWP-MLS (Microwave Limb Sounder), suggest AOD has a positive effect on the formation of ice clouds. Above results of ice cloud and dust aerosol variations, which could be partially attributed to the Taklamakan Desert dominate the dust aerosols in TB, which occurred roughly during the same seasons. This is affected by weather conditions and primarily drives the seasonal and annual cycle behavior of ice cloud and dust aerosol over the region. Multi-source satellite detection can capture the main characteristic changes of ice clouds and dust aerosol and provide adequate observational facts in this study. Therefore, the present study may provide valuable complementary or alternative information for ice clouds, dust aerosol, and their interaction research in the troposphere or upper troposphere. It may also offer more consistent input for climate research on the TB area in China.