title: Cloud top remote sensing by airborne lidar.
abstract: Observations of cloud top height, backscattering, and signal depolarization have been obtained by a lidar system operating onboard a high-altitude research aircraft. The transmitter for the cloud lidar system is a doubled Nd:YAG laser operating at 5 Hz. The system functions as a fully automated sensor under microprocessor control and operates from a nominal 19-km altitude. Measurements have been acquired over a wide variety of cloud cover in conjunction with passive visible and infrared measurements. Initial observation results are reported.
authors.affiliation: NASA Goddard Greenbelt, Maryland 2077, USA.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Spinhirne
authors.forename: M Z
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: L O
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Caudill