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Cirrus properties deduced from co2 lidar observations of zenith-enhanced backscatter from oriented crystals
| Content Provider | NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) |
|---|---|
| Author | Eberhard, Wynn L. |
| Copyright Year | 1993 |
| Description | Many lidar researchers have occasionally observed zenith-enhanced backscatter (ZEB) from middle and high clouds. The ZEB signature consists of strong backscatter when the lidar is pointed directly at zenith and a dramatic decline in backscatter as the zenith angle dips slightly off zenith. Mirror-like reflection from horizontal facets of oriented crystals (especially plates) is generally accepted as the cause. It was found during a 3-year observation program that approximately 50 percent of ice clouds had ZEB, regardless of cloud height. The orientation of crystals and the ZEB they cause are important to study and understand for several reasons. First, radiative transfer in clouds with oriented crystals is different than if the same particles were randomly oriented. Second, crystal growth depends partly on the orientation of the particles. Third, ZEB measurements may provide useful information about cirrus microphysical and radiative properties. Finally, the remarkable effect of ZEB on lidar signals should be understood in order to properly interpret lidar data. |
| File Size | 271895 |
| Page Count | 4 |
| File Format | |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://archive.org/details/NASA_NTRS_Archive_19940017822 |
| Archival Resource Key | ark:/13960/t8tb61m2m |
| Language | English |
| Publisher Date | 1993-12-01 |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Subject Keyword | Meteorology And Climatology Crystal Growth Cirrus Clouds Backscattering Crystals Infrared Radar Ice Zenith Ice Clouds Radiative Transfer Flat Surfaces Signatures Fire Climatology Optical Radar Carbon Dioxide Lasers Ntrs Nasa Technical Reports Server (ntrs) Nasa Technical Reports Server Aerodynamics Aircraft Aerospace Engineering Aerospace Aeronautic Space Science |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
