Lidar profiles of atmospheric structure properties

C. Russell Philbrick

doi:10.1117/12.45836

1 September 1991 Lidar profiles of atmospheric structure properties

C. Russell Philbrick

Proceedings Volume 1492, Earth and Atmospheric Remote Sensing; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.45836
Event: Orlando '91, 1991, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Comparisons of the lidar-derived profiles of the atmospheric structure properties (density and temperature) with the standard meteorological rocket profiles have been made. Seventeen flights of meteorological rockets, using both datasonde and passive falling sphere payloads, provide the first study to compare and evaluate the lidar measurements simultaneously with rocket measurements. The measurements were made at Poker Flat Research Range, Alaska, during the period February through April 1986. The molecular backscatter lidar signal from a Nd:YAG laser has been used in regions of the atmosphere where molecular scattering dominates to determine profiles of the relative atmospheric density. By comparison with radiosonde balloon measurements in the region where the scattering is purely molecular-- typically the 27 to 30 km altitude region--the density profile can be placed on an absolute scale. The temperature profiles have been determined directly from integration of the relative density profile, using the assumption of hydrostatic equilibrium. While the backscatter signals from the region of the atmosphere above 25 km are usually representative of the molecular density, the lidar was developed using a two-color approach to provide added discrimination against particle scatter. By using two wavelengths, 532 and 355 nm, the region where the molecular scattering results are expected to be valid can be discerned. The results show the present capability of the lidar remote sensing technique for measurements of the structure properties of the atmosphere. The results point out the directions for the design of a lidar sounder that can be used as an operational sounder to replace the meteorological rocket and balloon techniques in the future.

Citation Download Citation

C. Russell Philbrick "Lidar profiles of atmospheric structure properties", Proc. SPIE 1492, Earth and Atmospheric Remote Sensing, (1 September 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.45836

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