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Cloud top remote sensing by airborne lidar
J D Spinhirne1, M Z Hansen, L O Caudill
1NASA Goddard Greenbelt, Maryland 2077, USA.
Applied Optics
|April 15, 2010
Summary
A high-altitude lidar system measured cloud properties like height and backscattering from a 19-km altitude. This automated sensor provided initial data on diverse cloud types, aiding atmospheric research.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Remote Sensing
- Cloud Physics
Background:
- Cloud properties are crucial for understanding Earth's radiative balance and climate.
- Remote sensing techniques, particularly lidar, offer valuable tools for cloud observation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report initial findings from a novel lidar system deployed on a high-altitude aircraft.
- To characterize cloud top height, backscattering, and signal depolarization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a lidar system with a doubled Nd:YAG laser transmitter (5 Hz) onboard a high-altitude research aircraft.
- Operated the fully automated, microprocessor-controlled sensor from a nominal 19-km altitude.
- Acquired simultaneous passive visible and infrared measurements for comprehensive cloud analysis.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained measurements of cloud top height, backscattering, and signal depolarization.
- Collected data across a wide variety of cloud cover conditions.
- Initial observations provide a basis for further cloud property analysis.
Conclusions:
- The high-altitude lidar system is capable of acquiring detailed cloud measurements.
- The collected data contributes to a better understanding of cloud characteristics and their atmospheric impact.
- Further analysis of these initial observations will refine cloud models and remote sensing techniques.
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