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A numerical technique for the calculation of cloud optical extinction from lidarA simple numerical algorithm which calculates optical extinction from cloud lidar data is presented. The method assumes a two-component atmosphere consisting of 'clear air' and cloud particulates. 'Clear air' may consist of either molecules only or a mix of molecules and atmospheric aerosols. For certain clouds, the method may be utilized to provide an estimate of the cloud-atmospheric parameter defined as the ratio of the cloud volume backscatter coefficient to the cloud extinction coefficient divided by the atmospheric volume backscatter coefficient at a given altitude. The cloud-atmospheric parameter may be estimated only from cloud data from which the optical thickness may reliably be used as a constraint on the numerical solution. This constraint provides the additional information necessary to obtain the cloud-atmospheric parameter. Conversely, the method may be applied to obtain cloud extinction and optical thickness from lidar cloud soundings if an estimate of the cloud-atmospheric parameter is available.
Document ID
19940017836
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Alvarez, J. M. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Vaughan, M. A. (Science Applications International Corp. Hampton, VA., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: The FIRE Cirrus Science Results 1993
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
94N22309
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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