Depolarization Lidar Determination of Cloud-Base Microphysical Properties
conference paper
The links between multiple-scattering induced depolarization and cloud microphysical properties (e.g. cloud particle number density, effective radius, water content) have long been recognised. Previous efforts to use depolarization information in a quantitative manner to retrieve cloud microphysical cloud properties have also been undertaken but with limited scope and, arguably, success. In this work we present a retrieval procedure applicable to liquid stratus clouds with (quasi-)linear LWC profiles and (quasi-)constant number density profiles in the cloud-base region. This set of assumptions allows us to employ a fast and robust inversion procedure based on a lookup-table approach applied to extensive lidar Monte-Carlo multiple-scattering calculations. An example validation case is presented where the results of the inversion procedure are compared with simultaneous cloud radar observations. In non-drizzling conditions it was found, in general, that the lidar-only inversion results can be used to predict the radar reflectivity within the radar calibration uncertainty (2-3 dBZ). Results of a comparison between ground-based aerosol number concentration and lidar-derived cloud base number considerations are also presented. The observed relationship between the two quantities is seen to be consistent with the results of previous studies based on aircraft-based in situ measurements. © 2016 Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences.
TNO Identifier
546198
ISSN
21016275
Publisher
EDP Sciences
Article nr.
16010
Source title
27th International Laser Radar Conference, ILRC 2015, 5 July 2015 through 10 July 2015
Editor(s)
Gross, B.
Moshary, F.
Arend, M.
Moshary, F.
Arend, M.
Pages
1-5