Ice Water Content (IWC) measures the amount of ice particles in the atmosphere. Providing information on their distribution and concentration, IWC helps understand the formation and evolution of ice clouds, their role in precipitation processes, and how they affect the radiation balance. This knowledge gives us insights into cloud microphysics, which has an impact on weather patterns and climate change.

Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) is a measure of the amount of aerosol particles in the atmosphere. Providing information on aerosol distribution and concentration, AOT helps understand the degree to which aerosols scatter and absorb sunlight. This knowledge gives us insights into air quality, which has an impact on weather patterns and climate change.