Multiple-scattering-based lidar retrieval: method and results of cloud probings

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Optical Remote Sensing
• Cloud Physics

Background:

• Lidar (light detection and ranging) systems are crucial for atmospheric research.
• Exploiting multiple scattering in lidar returns offers a more comprehensive understanding of atmospheric properties.
• Existing methods often struggle to effectively incorporate multiple scattering effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a robust retrieval algorithm for lidar data that utilizes multiple scattering contributions.
• To provide accurate range-resolved extinction coefficients and effective particle diameters.
• To enable the calculation of secondary products like particle volume mixing ratio and multi-wavelength extinction.

Main Methods:

• The algorithm is based on the small-angle diffusion approximation.
• It is applicable to optically thick media and specific geometric conditions (receiver footprint < scattering mean free path).
• Validation involves comparing retrieval results with new data and analysis.

Main Results:

• The algorithm successfully retrieves range-resolved extinction coefficient and effective particle diameter.
• Demonstrated accuracy of the retrieval products through new data and analysis.
• Quantified the accuracy of the solutions derived from the multiple-scattering technique.

Conclusions:

• The developed multiple-scattering lidar technique provides valuable physical information on cloud formation and evolution.
• Systematic lidar probings using this method can significantly advance cloud research.
• The algorithm offers a practical approach to exploiting complex lidar signal contributions.