LIDAR developments at Clermont-Ferrand--France for atmospheric observation.

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Remote Sensing
• Lidar Technology

Background:

• Continuous atmospheric profiling is crucial for understanding tropospheric dynamics.
• The Puy de Dôme station (GAW global station PUY) provides valuable in situ measurements.
• Integrating ground-based and remote sensing data enhances atmospheric studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a upgraded Rayleigh-Mie-Raman LIDAR system for atmospheric profiling.
• To analyze climatological water vapor profiles and cirrus cloud frequency.
• To demonstrate the system's capability in detecting aerosols and high-altitude cirrus clouds.

Main Methods:

• Operation of a Rayleigh-Mie-Raman LIDAR system since 2008.
• System upgrades including hardware/software developments and laboratory calibrations.
• Analysis of data for water vapor mixing ratio, aerosol backscatter, and cirrus optical properties.

Main Results:

• Climatological water vapor profiles (2009-2013) show a distinct annual cycle.
• Preliminary analysis indicates cirrus cloud events on over 30% of days in 2014.
• Successful detection of cirrus clouds at 13 km altitude and aerosols below 5 km.

Conclusions:

• The upgraded LIDAR system provides high-quality atmospheric profiles.
• The system effectively characterizes boundary layer dynamics and aids in interpreting in situ data.
• The LIDAR contributes valuable data for atmospheric research and climate monitoring.