Lidar Measurements Of Tropospheric Gases

Edward V. Browell

doi:10.1117/12.7972872

1 February 1982 Lidar Measurements Of Tropospheric Gases

Edward V. Browell

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 21, Issue 1, 211128 (February 1982). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.7972872

Abstract

This paper describes measurements of pollutants and water vapor in the troposphere using the differential absorption lidar (DIAL) technique. Emphasis is placed on research that has been conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) with ground-based and airborne lidar systems. Measurements of sulfur dioxide in power plant plumes have been made with a mobile DIAL system operated near 300 nm. Comparisons of sulfur dioxide concentrations determined with the DIAL system and in-stack monitors were found to be in agreement to within 18 percent. Vertical water vapor profiles with a ground-based lidar system have been measured using the water vapor absorption line at 724.3 nm. Rawinsonde and DIAL water vapor profile data were shown to agree within 10 percent to an altitude of 2.5 km. A multipurpose airborne DIAL system was recently developed at LaRC to investigate a wide range of tropo-spheric gases. The first remote measurements of ozone profiles from an air-craft were made in May 1980. Subsequently, the airborne DIAL system participated in a major field study with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate elevated pollution episodes. Results from these experi-ments are presented in this paper. Simulations are also discussed for airborne DIAL measurements of sulfur dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen dioxide. An extensive study of the scientific rationale and potential experiments with a Shuttle lidar system has recently been completed by NASA. The application of a spaceborne lidar to uniquely measure tropospheric gases in the late 1 980s is addressed in this paper.

Citation Download Citation

Edward V. Browell "Lidar Measurements Of Tropospheric Gases," Optical Engineering 21(1), 211128 (1 February 1982). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.7972872

Published: 1 February 1982

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