MicroPulse DIAL (MPD) ground-based network for Thermodynamic Profiling in the Lower Troposphere

The National Center for Atmospheric Research and Montana State University have developed a 5-unit ground-based test network of MicroPulse Differential Absorption Lidar (MPD) instruments to continuously measure high-vertical-resolution water vapor profiles in the lower atmosphere. These diode-laser-based instruments are accurate, low-cost, operate unattended, do not require external calibration, and eye-safe – all key features to enable larger 'national-scale' networks needed to characterize atmospheric moisture variability, which influences important processes related to weather and climate.  Enhancements to the water vapor MPD architecture have been recently developed that enable quantitative aerosol measurements and atmospheric temperature profiling by simultaneously measuring O2 absorption and aerosol backscatter ratio. This combination of measurements allows for the first DIAL measurements of atmospheric temperature with useful accuracy. The MPD has been demonstrated to provide continuous, range-resolved measurements of atmospheric thermodynamic variables, water vapor and temperature, and quantitative measurements of aerosol scattering from a high spectral resolution (HSRL) channel.  Thus, a network of these instruments shows promise to provide atmospheric profiling capabilities needed by both the climate and weather forecasting research communities.