Laser Scattering In Clouds

Abstract

Experimental results on optical scattering in clouds have been obtained using lidar techniques. These techniques have been used to develop a theoretical interpretation of optical extinction in various cloud structures and in the stratospheric aerosol layer. Measurements have been made with the LAMP (Laser Atmospheric Measurement Program) lidar of Pennsylvania State University. The inverse lidar equation must be used to calculate the extinction coefficient in order to profile the atmospheric density. Two inversion methods have been used to calculate the extinction coefficient: (1) Klett's inversion method and (2) inversion of the lidar equation directly using the 607 nm N, Raman wavelength retum. These methods have been compared using results obtained during several different atmospheric conditions.