Vol. 39, issue 07, article # 7

Abstract:

The main problem in studying atmospheric ice particles is the lack of information on their morphology and size. Traditional active and passive monitoring methods do not applicable to determination of these parameters due to physical limitations of the wavelengths and spatial resolution. There is a need in alternative methods, such as near-infrared lidars, where the absorption effect of ice particles is sufficient. This effect causes differences in lidar signals, thus opening a possibility of retrieving particle sizes from the spectral ratio. In this paper, the color ratio of atmospheric ice particles with sizes from 5 to 1000 μm, typical of high-altitude clouds, is studied. The dependence of the color ratio on particle size is derived. The study uses the ScIce-2023 light scattering matrix database for random spatial orientation of particles and single scattering approximation. Several particle shapes typical for ice clouds are studied at incident wavelengths from 0.355 to 2.150 μm. The results can be used for interpreting data of ground-based and satellite laser sensing of crystal clouds.

Keywords:

atmospheric particle, lidar sounding, ice crystal, color ratio, physical optics, light scattering matrix, light backscattering

Figures:

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