Aerosol vertical distribution (extinction coefficient) is measured using a Micro-Pulse Lidar system (MPL-4, Sigma Space) . The MPL has one measurement channel that records backscatter signals up to 20+ km. The primary quantity from this signal is the lowest detected cloud base in meters. Additional quantities possible through post-processing of the raw signal return include a relative backscatter profile at 527 nm. From the relative backscatter profile, other data products are possible including multiple cloud decks, cloud and layer boundaries, as well as aerosol extinction and backscatter profiles. After the new units are deployed, cloud phase information will also be available . . |
