Examination of Optical Processes in The Atmosphere During Upper Air Soundings

Abstract

AbstractImproving the quality of weather forecasts and the reliability of climate research requires increasing the reliability of measurements. This paper presents results for optical sensors attached to radiosondes. These sensors can measure cloud-top height (CTH) with high accuracy, determine the presence of precipitation particles in clouds and the height of the boundary between the tropospheric and stratospheric air masses. These research findings are especially important in the Arctic, where the reliability of cloud data is poor, especially during polar nights. With the help of a visible range optical sensor, during the daytime, it is possible to measure CTH with an accuracy of 50 meters. Using data from an IR sensor it is possible to measure CTH both day and night. The paper also discusses the possibility of using optical sensors in an observational network. The results from this study could be useful for both weather forecasting and climate research.