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Lidar backscatter simulation for angular scanning of cirrus clouds with quasi-horizontally oriented ice crystals
Optics Letters
|August 1, 2022
Summary
Numerical simulations reveal that regular, plate-like ice crystals in cirrus clouds cause a distinct depolarization ratio step when observed with lidar at a 30° tilt. This finding aids in understanding cloud microphysics.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Cloud Physics
- Optical Remote Sensing
Background:
- Cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals, influencing Earth's radiative balance.
- Understanding ice crystal backscattering is crucial for accurate climate modeling.
- Lidar techniques are used to probe cloud properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically investigate the backscattering properties of plate-like ice crystals in cirrus clouds.
- To analyze the relationship between lidar tilt angle and depolarization ratio.
- To determine if specific crystal shapes can be inferred from lidar measurements.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations of backscattering from quasi-horizontally oriented, plate-like ice crystals.
- Utilizing vertically oriented and angular scanning lidar configurations.
- Analyzing the depolarization ratio as a function of lidar tilt angle.
Main Results:
- A distinct step in the depolarization ratio was observed at approximately 30° lidar tilt from the vertical.
- This depolarization ratio step is linked to the transverse shape of the ice crystals.
- The observed step matches experimental findings.
Conclusions:
- The presence of a depolarization ratio step indicates regular transverse shapes of plate-like ice crystals.
- Lidar measurements, particularly with angular scanning, can infer microphysical properties of cirrus clouds.
- This research enhances the interpretation of lidar data for cloud characterization.
