The European Aerosol Research Lidar Network,
EARLINET, performs correlative observations during
CALIPSO overpasses based on a sophisticated measurement
strategy since June 2006. Within a dedicated
activity supported by the European Space Agency
(ESA), sixteen EARLINET stations contributed about
1500 measurements during an intensive observational
period from May 2008 to October 2009. From these
measurements, we establish a long-term aerosol and
cloud database of correlative EARLINET-CALIPSO
observations. This database shall provide a basis for
homogenizing long-term space-borne observations
conducted with different lidar instruments operating
at different wavelengths on various platforms over the
next decade(s). The database is also used to study the
quality and representativeness of satellite lidar cross
sections along an orbit against long-term lidar network
observations on a continental scale.Postprint (published version
