Estimation of Entrainment and Detrainment Rates in Cumulus Clouds Using Global Satellite Observations

Abstract Parameterizations of entrainment and detrainment rates ( ε and δ ) are crucial for climate models. Although satellite‐derived estimates of ε are available in the literature, there has been a deficiency in satellite‐based retrievals of δ . To fill this gap, a recently developed approach is applied to satellite observations. The retrieved ε and δ are validated against the aircraft observations confirming the reliability of the satellite‐based ε and δ . Results show that the global ε and δ exhibit significant latitudinal variations and land‐ocean contrast, but no significant interhemispheric differences. Near the equator, ε and δ are relatively low, and they increase with latitude. Both ε and δ are notably higher over oceans (1.62 and 1.33 km −1 , respectively) than over land (0.92 and 0.64 km −1 , respectively). Furthermore, this global data set can further develop and validate parameterizations of ε and δ in climate models.