Inference of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Water Vapor and Temperature Profiles over the Ocean Using Airborne Lidar Data

Abstract

A new technique to estimate profiles of mixing ratio and potential temperature through the depth of the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) over the ocean using airborne lidar and multi-channel radiometer data is presented. The technique utilizes lidar derived statistics on the height of cumulus clouds which frequently cap the PBL to estimate the lifting condensation level. Combining this information with radiometer derived sea surface temperature measurements, an estimate of the surface moisture can be obtained. Lidar derived statistics on convective plume height and coverage within the PBL are then used to infer the profiles of potential temperature and moisture with high vertical resolution. The RMS accuracy of derived average PBL moisture and potential temperature is less than 1 g/kg and 1 degree Celsius, respectively.