A Micro-Pulse Differential Absorption Lidar Test Network

Scott Spuler,Robert Stillwell,Catharine Bunn,Todd Bernatsky,Kevin Repasky,Matthew Hayman,Joshua Carnes,Tammy Weckwerth

doi:10.1051/epjconf/202023705001

Abstract

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and Montana State University (MSU) have developed a test network of five micro-pulse Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) instruments to continuously measure high-vertical-resolution water vapor in the lower atmosphere. The instruments are accurate, low-cost, operate unattended, and eye-safe – all key features to enable larger ‘national-scale’ networks needed to characterize atmo-spheric moisture variability which influences important processes related to weather and climate.

Highlights

Water vapor is one of the fundamental thermodynamic variables that define the state of the atmosphere
Several National Research Council (NRC) reports and a recent review paper, detailing the state of the art for thermodynamic profiling, all highlight the need for improved water vapor measurements as a necessary step toward improving mesoscale numerical weather prediction and quantitative precipitation forecasting skills [1, 2, 3, 4]
To help address this observational need, we have developed a testbed of five diode-laser-based, micro-pulse Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) (MPD) instruments for measuring the spatial and temporal distribution of water vapor in the lower atmosphere

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Water vapor is one of the fundamental thermodynamic variables that define the state of the atmosphere. Several National Research Council (NRC) reports and a recent review paper, detailing the state of the art for thermodynamic profiling,- all highlight the need for improved water vapor measurements as a necessary step toward improving mesoscale numerical weather prediction and quantitative precipitation forecasting skills [1, 2, 3, 4]. To help address this observational need, we have developed a testbed of five diode-laser-based, micro-pulse DIAL (MPD) instruments for measuring the spatial and temporal distribution of water vapor in the lower atmosphere. The network testbed described was built from a fieldcapable semiconductor-based lidar prototype first demonstrated in 2015, which was shown to deliver accurate measurements of water vapor in the lower troposphere and produce scientifically significant data [8, 9]

INSTRUMENT DESIGN

Data Acquisition and Processing Software

Environmental Housing

FUTURE WORK

Findings

SUMMARY