Lidar Observations of the Convective Boundary Layer

Abstract

A scanning lidar system has been used to observe convection in the atmospheric boundary layer. In particular, cell sizes and geometry have been determined and circulation patterns in and around the cells have been measured. The lidar data show that the preferred form of convective cells are plumes with roots near the surface. The majority of these plumes have aspects ratios between 0.5 and 1.5. The measurements of circulation patterns show the strongest rising motion on the upwind side of the cell with sinking motion on the downwind side. These observations show that lidar is a powerful tool for observing convection.