Validating extinction calculations from Lidar signals within the planetary boundary layer by signal simulations

Abstract

This paper describes the comparison of calculated extinction coefficients from Lidar signals by the known Fernald-Klett inversion method with Lidar signal simulations. A ground-based Differential Absorption Lidar was employed in two studies measuring O3 and SO2 within the planetary boundary layer (PBL). By calculating extinction coefficients additional information about the PBL structure is obtained. As commonly used numerical inversion methods are limited to the knowledge of necessary boundary conditions, Lidar signal simulations are used for their estimation. Furthermore, comparing results of the inversion method with Lidar signal simulations validates calculated extinction coefficients.