Retrieval of contrail microphysical properties during SUCCESS by the split‐window method

Estimates of cloud particle size and infrared optical depth were inferred from multi‐spectral observations of contrails and cirrus during the SUbsonic aircraft: Contrails and Cloud Effects Special Study (SUCCESS) experiment on 20 April 1996. The particles in a newly formed contrail were generally smaller than those in an older contrail, while the microphysics of the older contrail resembled the surrounding cirrus. Split‐window retrievals of contrails were sensitive to changes in surface temperature and surface emissivity.