Signatures of dynamical processes in Raman lidar profiles of the atmosphere

C. Russell Philbrick; Hans D. Hallen

doi:10.1117/12.2262583

5 May 2017 Signatures of dynamical processes in Raman lidar profiles of the atmosphere

Proceedings Volume 10191, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XXII; 101910E (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2262583
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2017, Anaheim, CA, United States

Abstract

Raman lidar measurements provide profiles of several different tracers of spatial and temporal variations, which are excellent signatures for studies of dynamical processes in the atmosphere. An examination of Raman lidar data collected during the last four decades clearly show signatures of atmospheric planetary waves, gravity waves, low-level jets, weather fronts, turbulence from wind shear at surfaces and at the interface of the boundary layer with the free troposphere. Water vapor profiles are found to be important as a tracer of the sources of turbulence eddies associated with thermal convection, pressure waves, and wind shears, which result from surface heating, winds, weather systems, orographic forcing, and regions of reduced atmospheric stability. Examples of these processes are selected to show the influence of turbulence on profiles of atmospheric properties. Turbulence eddies generated in the wind shear region near the top of the boundary layer are found to mix into the atmospheric boundary layer. Results from several prior research projects are examined to gain a better understanding of processes impacting optical propagation through the many sources of turbulence observed in the lower atmosphere. Advances in lasers, detectors, and particularly in high-speed electronics now available are expected to provide important opportunities to improve our understanding of the formation processes, as well as for tracking of the sources and dissipation of turbulence eddies.

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Citation Download Citation

C. Russell Philbrick and Hans D. Hallen "Signatures of dynamical processes in Raman lidar profiles of the atmosphere", Proc. SPIE 10191, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XXII, 101910E (5 May 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2262583

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