Radiation Closure Experiments for EarthCARE Validation (RACE-ECV)

Advancing EarthCARE Validation through High-Precision Solar Radiation and Aerosol Measurements

What is RACE-ECV?

RACE-ECV (Radiation Closure Experiments for EarthCARE Validation) is an international scientific initiative aimed at validating aerosol, cloud, and radiation products of the ESA EarthCARE satellite. By conducting high-accuracy solar radiation and aerosol measurements, we contribute to improving climate models and radiative transfer simulations.

Why is This Research Important?

Understanding the interactions between aerosols, clouds, and radiation is crucial for:
✔ Climate Change Studies – Improving the accuracy of global climate models

✔ Satellite Validation – Ensuring EarthCARE’s measurements are scientifically sound

✔ Radiative Transfer Analysis – Enhancing atmospheric radiation closure studies

✔ Earth Observation Programs – Supporting ESA and EU-funded research initiatives (e.g., CERTAINTY project)

Our Research Focus

🔹 Satellite Validation – Comparing EarthCARE aerosol & cloud optical thickness products with ground-based observations.

🔹 Radiation Closure Experiments – Using precise solar radiation measurements to evaluate radiative transfer models (RTMs).

🔹 Experimental Campaigns – Deploying advanced instruments in Crete & Athens (2025-2026) for real-time satellite validation.

🔹 Data Sharing & Collaboration – Providing open-access datasets for scientific communities worldwide.