Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Measurement of Aerosols Optical Thickness of the Atmosphere using the GLOBE Handheld Sun Photometer
Published on: May 29, 2019
Implementation and validation of a Raman lidar measurement of middle and upper tropospheric water vapor
V Sherlock1, A Garnier, A Hauchecorne
1Service d'Aeronomie, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, BP 3, 91371 Verrieres-le-Buisson, France. vjsherlock@meto.gov.uk
Abstract:
Implementation of a Raman lidar measurement of middle and upper tropospheric water vapor is described for a system that uses a 532-nm exciting wavelength, fiber-optic signal transfer, and Q-branch selection. Particular attention is given to the minimization of systematic biases introduced by fluorescent reemission of energy associated with elastic backscatter returns. We compare lidar profiles with collocated radiosonde measurements by using the Vaisala H-Humicap capacitive captor. The variations in the water-vapor concentrations on vertical scales of the order of 1 km in the upper troposphere observed by the two instruments present significant differences. Independent characterization of random and systematic lidar measurement errors and radiosonde sensor response characteristics lead to the conclusion that these differences are due to radiosonde sensor response. These intercomparisons indicate that the lidar measurement can provide important information on water-vapor distributions in the radiatively important 8-11-km region.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Vapor Pressure Lowering
Measurement of Air Content in Concrete
The pressure method,...
Vapor Pressure
Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
Precipitation Titration: Endpoint Detection Methods
In the Volhard method, a standard excess of AgNO3 is first added to the...
Vapor Pressure of Fluid
When a liquid is placed in a closed container with a small air space, and the space is evacuated, vapor molecules will...

