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Title: Lidar data inversion for Cirrus clouds: An approach based on a statistical analysis of in situ microphysical measurements

Journal Article · · Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology
 [1]
  1. Univ. Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand (France)

The problem of the lidar equation inversion lies in the fact that it requires a lidar calibration or else a reference value from the studied medium. This paper presents an approach to calibrate the lidar by calculating the constant Ak (lidar constant A multiplied by the ratio of backscatter coefficient to extinction coefficient k). This approach is based on statistical analysis of in situ measurements. This analysis demonstrates that the extinction coefficient has a typical probablility distribution in cirrus clouds. The property of this distribution, as far as the attenuation of laser beam in the cloud, is used as a constraint to calculate the value of Ak. The validity of this method is discussed and results compared with two other inversion methods.

OSTI ID:
45905
Journal Information:
Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, Vol. 11, Issue 5; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1994
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English