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Analysis of differential absorption lidar from the space shuttle
Applied Optics
|March 4, 2010
Summary
Differential absorption lidar from the Shuttle shows limitations for measuring many atmospheric trace gases. However, it offers competitive accuracy for lower tropospheric water vapor.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric science
- Remote sensing
- Lidar technology
Background:
- Differential absorption lidar (DIAL) is a remote sensing technique used for measuring atmospheric constituents.
- Shuttle-borne platforms offer unique vantage points for global atmospheric profiling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a parametric analysis of a Shuttle-borne DIAL concept for measuring atmospheric trace constituent profiles.
- To assess the feasibility and limitations of nadir-viewing DIAL measurements from space.
Main Methods:
- Developed a criterion for optimum constituent optical depth.
- Applied this criterion to estimate range-resolved measurement errors.
- Analyzed limitations based on current lidar system technology and Shuttle altitudes.
Main Results:
- Identified fundamental limitations for range-resolved DIAL measurements from Shuttle.
- Determined that atmospheric backscatter density profiles can be measured up to 60 km with current technology.
- Found that DIAL measurements are primarily limited to H2O, CH4, N2O, O3, and CO in the stratosphere and mesosphere.
Conclusions:
- Range-resolved DIAL measurements from Shuttle are feasible for specific stratospheric and mesospheric trace constituents.
- Accurate range-resolved water vapor data in the lower troposphere is achievable and competitive with passive sensors.
- Future technological advancements may expand the range of measurable tropospheric species.
