| 05 May 2026
Origin and evolution of satellite-observed cirrus clouds using Lagrangian microphysical modeling – Part 1: Method and case studies
Abstract. Cirrus clouds pose a challenge due to their complex microphysics and processes involved in their formation and growth. Satellite observations capture the instantaneous state of cirrus, offering limited insight into their formation history. Here, we introduce DC-Ice (DARDAR → CLaMS-Ice), a novel framework that defines origin-based metrics to characterize cirrus origin and evolution from satellite observations with Lagrangian microphysical modeling. Air parcel back trajectories are computed using Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere (CLaMS), starting from DARDAR-Nice satellite observation point. Along these trajectories, the CLaMS-Ice microphysical box model simulates cirrus formation and evolution. Key origin-based metrics are derived to be associated with satellite observations, including ice formation pathways (homogeneous vs heterogeneous), ice crystal origin (liquid-phase or in situ), and their age (time since ice formation). DC-Ice is applied to three case studies representative of typical meteorological conditions in midlatitudes. The analysis shows that cirrus properties evolve continuously, with small-scale temperature fluctuations regulating supersaturation and ice nucleation, thereby influencing subsequent microphysical processes. Reconstructed vertical cloud profiles reveal that liquid-origin cirrus is more prevalent at lower altitudes, while in situ-origin cirrus dominates at higher altitudes, with nucleation pathways varying with cloud age and environmental conditions. A comprehensive evaluation and sensitivity analysis will be presented in Part 2 to quantify uncertainties. These studies form the basis for linking microphysical properties and the history of cirrus clouds to global satellite observations using the DC-Ice approach. The future aim is to gain broad geographical and seasonal information on cirrus clouds, improving their representation in global models.
Competing interests: At least one of the (co-)authors is a member of the editorial board of Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics.
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