Remote sensing for cloud and precipitation measurement and science — Promises and challenges

An overview of existing strategies and methods for observing key microphysical properties of cloud and precipitation using remote sensing measurements will be given. The focus will be placed on their similarity and differences, strengths and limitations, and the potential to address science questions in cloud and precipitation processes and interactions with aerosols and radiation. The role of machine learning techniques in improving our retrieval capability and applications will be also discussed, highlighting the uncertainty quantification framework that we recently developed. Finally, thoughts on measurement gaps and challenges in microphysical properties of cloud and precipitation and the possible pathways forward will be shared.