Using Horizontal and Slant Lidar Measurements to Obtain Calibrated Aerosol Scattering Coefficients from a Coastal Lidar in Hawaii

Abstract

Sea salt aerosol concentrations in the clean marine boundary layer can be considered spatially homogeneous when averaged over space and time. Using this assumption, horizontal and slant lidar measurements are carried out at a Hawaii coastal site allowing accurate retrieval of the marine aerosol scattering coefficient. It is found that when the lidar calibration or the aerosol phase function is adjusted so that the derived scattering coefficients are constant with range, then the derived aerosol scattering coefficients are correct and agree with nephelometer measurements (within 25%) and sun photometer (within 7%). Examples of this calibration process are given.