A Multi-Year Data Set on Aerosol-Cloud-Precipitation-Meteorology Interactions for Marine Stratocumulus Clouds

Airborne data of meteorology, aerosol, and cloud properties that have been harmonized from seven field campaigns during July-August periods between 2005 and 2018 off the California coast. A consistent set of instruments were deployed on the Center for Interdisciplinary Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Studies Twin Otter for 129 flight days, amounting to 588 total flight hours. A unique aspect of the compiled data set is detailed measurements of aerosol microphysical properties (size distribution, composition, bioaerosol detection, hygroscopicity), cloud drop size distributions across a broad diameter range, different sampling inlets to distinguish between clear air aerosol and droplet residual particles in cloud, and cloud water composition. The data set is suitable for studies associated with aerosol-cloud-precipitation-meteorology-radiation interactions, especially owing to sharp aerosol perturbations from ship traffic and biomass burning. The data set can be used for model initialization and synergistic application with meteorological models and remote sensing data to improve understanding of the very interactions that comprise the largest uncertainty in the effect of anthropogenic emissions on radiative forcing.