Atmospheric Remote Sensing: Instruments
Depolarization and Backscatter Unattended Lidar (DABUL)
DABUL instrument.
CSD and the University of Maryland - Baltimore County's Physics Department collaborated to develop and deploy a long-term, unattended infrared spectroradiometer and lidar to monitor and study the radiative effects of water vapor, aerosols, and thin clouds in the upper troposphere. The infrared spectro-radiometer measures atmospheric emitted spectral radiance over the wavelength range of about 3-23 micrometers, while the lidar detects clouds and aerosol layers. Research applications include:
- Cloud Geometry
- Cloud Phase
- Aerosol Scattering Ratio
- Extinction Profiles
- Optical Depth
- Mixed Layer Height
DABUL operates automatically from within weatherproof housing, with remote control access and data download through a communications link.
Contact: Raul Alvarez
Basic Parameters Measured
- Molecular and Particle Backscatter
- Depolarization Ratio
Field Projects
| Project Name | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Nauru99 | June-July 1999 | Tropical Western Pacific |
| Barrow Haze Study | February-March 1999 | Barrow, Alaska |
| SHEBA | October 1997 - September 1998 | Arctic Ocean |
| FIRE-ACE | April-July 1998 | Arctic Ocean |
| SURFRAD | June-July 1997 | Boulder, Colorado |
| Erie Observations | June 1997 | Erie, Colorado |
Typical Specifications
| Wavelength | 523 nm | |
| Pulse energy | 25 µJ | |
| Pulse rate | 2000 Hz | |
| Average Time: | 1 to 10 s | |
| Scan | 180 ° in elevation angle | |
| Range Resolution: | 30 m | |
| Minimum range | 60 m | |
| Maximum range | 40 km |
References
Eberhard, W.L., R.A. Alvarez, J.M. Intrieri, S.P. Sandburg, K.W. Koenig, and K.R. Healy, Automated All-Weather Lidar with Scanning Option, 19th International Laser Radar Conference, NASA/CP--1998--207671/PT1, 639-642, Annapolis, Maryland, July 1998.
Alvarez, R.J., W.L. Eberhard, J.M. Intrieri, C.J. Grund, and S.P. Sandberg, A depolarization and backscatter lidar for unattended operation in varied meteorological conditions, 10th Symposium on Meterological Observations and Instrumentation, Phoenix, AZ, 11-16 January 1998. American Meterological Society, Boston, MA, 1998.
Grund, C.J., and S.P. Sandberg, Depolarization and Backscatter Lidar for Unattended Operation, 18th International Laser Radar Conference, 3-6, Berlin, Germany, July 1996.