Observations by Lidar of Linear Depolarization Ratios for Hydrometeors

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Measurements by monostatic lidar have been performed in the laboratory and in the field of the linear depolarization ratios for hydrometeors. The depolarization ratios for water drops in the size range 10 to 2000 μ in diameter have been found to be less than 0.03. Similar measurements for ice crystal clouds and precipitation gave relatively high values. Laboratory studies of hydrometeors from young ice clouds of mixed type whose linear dimensions varied from 20–100 μ gave depolarization ratios of 0.38. Atmospheric observations of mixed crystals >350 μ in linear dimension gave depolarization ratios >0.8. Abstract Measurements by monostatic lidar have been performed in the laboratory and in the field of the linear depolarization ratios for hydrometeors. The depolarization ratios for water drops in the size range 10 to 2000 μ in diameter have been found to be less than 0.03. Similar measurements for ice crystal clouds and precipitation gave relatively high values. Laboratory studies of hydrometeors from young ice clouds of mixed type whose linear dimensions varied from 20–100 μ gave depolarization ratios of 0.38. Atmospheric observations of mixed crystals >350 μ in linear dimension gave depolarization ratios >0.8.