Elastic backscattering lidar system for atmospheric measurements in Antarctica

Abstract

An elastic backscattering lidar and initial results are described. The lidar system has been designed to operate in Antarctica for the Italian National Programme for Antarctic Research. The first field trials were held during the period from 31 December 1987 to 10 February 1988. Data were collected for both tropospheric and stratospheric atmospheric parameters. Tropospheric measurements included the cloud base, optical depth, extinction and backscattering coefficients for clouds, whereas aerosols and the molecular atmosphere were monitored in the stratosphere. The lidar system was also tested for the determination of temperature and density in ranges up to 40 km. Preliminary results of the lidar measurements carried out at Terra Nova Bay are presented. The lidar system is composed of a Nd−YAG laser, a Newtonian telescope and two receiving channels with computer-controlled data acquisition and display equipment. The system is operated in a mobile container specifically designed for the Antarctic environment.