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Determination of cloud effective particle size from the multiple-scattering effect on lidar integration-method
Jens Reichardt1, Susanne Reichardt
1Deutscher Wetterdienst, Meteorologisches Observatorium Lindenberg, Tauche, Germany. jens.reichardt@dwd.de
Applied Optics
|April 25, 2006
Summary
This study introduces a new lidar technique to determine cloud particle size using temperature measurements. The method is effective for cirrus clouds with specific optical depths, improving atmospheric remote sensing.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Remote Sensing
- Cloud Physics
Background:
- Accurate determination of cloud particle size is crucial for climate modeling.
- Lidar measurements can be affected by multiple scattering effects from clouds.
- Existing methods for cloud particle size retrieval have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel method for determining cloud effective particle size.
- To leverage multiple-scattering lidar signals and temperature measurements for particle size retrieval.
- To assess the applicability of the method to cirrus clouds.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the dependence of multiple-scattering lidar signals on cloud particle size.
- Employing Raman- or Rayleigh-integration temperature measurements.
- Applying the technique to cirrus cloud measurements using Raman-integration temperatures.
Main Results:
- The method successfully determines cloud effective particle size by analyzing multiple-scattering contributions.
- The technique requires independent temperature information for accurate size determination.
- Applicability is limited to cirrus optical depths between 0.1 and 0.5 due to scattering magnitude and signal strength.
Conclusions:
- The developed lidar method provides a new way to retrieve cloud particle size.
- Multiple scattering in clouds can impact stratosphere temperature records obtained by lidar up to significant altitudes.
- Further research may refine the method for broader applicability in atmospheric studies.
