PBL Characterization with CALIPSO lidar and airborne Raman lidar measurements

Vertically resolved fine-scale structures of PBL aerosol, temperature, and water vapor from lidars are critical for PBL characterization and process study. Based on CALIPSO lidar vertical aerosol profiles, an improved algorithm was developed to quantify marine atmospheric mixing layer depth (MLH) and boundary layer depth (BLH). MLH and BLH can be used to quantify the decoupling structure of marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL). Factors controlling MABL decoupling over Cu and Sc dominated regions are explored with CALIPSO based observation. Airborne Raman lidar measurements of aerosol, water vapor, and temperature structures within clear MABL, above Sc topped MABL, and around convective storms will also be presented to illustrate fine-scale spatial and temporal variabilities of PBL.