title: Automated method for lidar determination of cloud-base height and vertical extent.
abstract: An algorithm for the automated analysis of lidar cloud returns has been developed as part of the Experimental Cloud Lidar Pilot Study program. This automated method determines the cloud-base and cloud-top heights as well as the altitude of the maximum return signal. A large body of cloud data that were obtained at 532 and 1064 nm with a Nd:YAG lidar have been evaluated and it has been found that the algorithm can handle the wide range of complex cloud situations encountered. The need for a more careful definition of the cloud-base height and cloud-top height is described and discussed in relation to the existing measurements with rotating beam and laser ceilometers.
authors: S R
authors: SR
authors: Pal
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Steinbrecht
authors: A I
authors: AI
authors: Carswell