Italian lidar program in Antarctica related to the ozone hole problem

Year: 1989

Authors: Stefanutti L., Del Guasta M., Morandi M.

Autors Affiliation: IROE-CNR, Florence, Italy

Abstract: Measurements using two backscattering lidars are described. In the cold Antarctic stratospheric vortex, when the temperature drops below 195 K, the nitric acid present in the stratosphere at heights between 15 and 20 km freezes, forming the so-called polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) of type I. At temperature 10 K lower, all the water vapor freezes, forming PSCs of type II. Backscattering lidar is used to characterized PSCs of both types using their depolarization properties. Their vertical distribution and optical properties can be evaluated from the lidar signature, and their type can be identified from the depolarization rapio. The aim is to determine the cloud base and when possible the cloud top and optical properties.

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KeyWords: Earth Atmosphere, Backscattering Lidar; Digest of Paper; Ozone Hole Problem; Polar Stratospheric Clouds, Radar, Optical
DOI: 10000000000