Space-based Laser Remote Sensing of the Oceans (Invited)

The CALIOP lidar on the CALIPSO satellite has been operating in space for 3 ½ years, characterizing the earth’s aerosol and cloud layers. While designed for atmospheric studies, it is proving valuable for demonstrating the potential for space-based laser remote sensing to other problems in earth science. For example, its high sensitivity and dynamic range plus its polarization-sensitive design allow backscatter from below the ocean surface to be measured by its 532 nm (green) channel. However, these measurements must be validated and explained in order to evaluate CALIOP’s, and future lidars’ value to ocean science. This presentation will cover recent work on extending CALIPSO’s atmospheric validated models to the problem of ocean subsurface returns. The work has been extended to include inter-comparisons between CALIOP, aircraft-borne NASA and NOAA lidar, and satellite ocean color measurements. The objective is to explore what new ocean science future space-based lidars could provide and help guide their design.