Vertical distribution, multiple scattering, and optical depths of clouds from LITE observations

C. Martin R. Platt; David M. Winker

doi:10.1117/12.195851

9 December 1994 Vertical distribution, multiple scattering, and optical depths of clouds from LITE observations

C. Martin R. Platt, David M. Winker

Proceedings Volume 2310, Lidar Techniques for Remote Sensing; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.195851
Event: Satellite Remote Sensing, 1994, Rome, Italy

Abstract

The importance of clouds to the earth's climate and to the prediction of climate change is now well recognized. The Lidar In-space Technology Experiment (LITE) gives our first global view of the 2D structure of clouds. Techniques that have been developed previously in the Experimental Cloud Lidar Pilot Study, and in many other groundbased applications, will be used to retrieve cloud height, depth, optical depth and extinction coefficient of clouds observed along the LITE orbits. The cloud observation from LITE are extended by the use of variable apertures at the LITE telescope focus, allowing us to study the amplitudes of laser radiation that has been multiply scattered in the clouds. Monte Carlo simulations predict that multiple scattering can cause an appreciable enhancement to the penetration of laser pulses into dense clouds, and that these effects are magnified at space shuttle ranges compared to groundbased observations. The relative magnitudes of the solar radiation reflected by the observed clouds will also be available during daytime portions of the orbits, and will be used to assist in retrieval of cloud optical properties. Some preliminary data on clouds from the LITE are illustrated and discussed.

Citation Download Citation

C. Martin R. Platt and David M. Winker "Vertical distribution, multiple scattering, and optical depths of clouds from LITE observations", Proc. SPIE 2310, Lidar Techniques for Remote Sensing, (9 December 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.195851

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