Remote sensing of the atmosphere using three-directional scanning-Lidar technique

The extraction of optical parameters of the atmosphere from the scanning-lidar signals is possible only for the horizontally stratified atmosphere. The significant issue this technique is that no reliable methods exist for determining whether the searched atmosphere is horizontally stratified, and if not, where the heterogeneous areas are located. In the paper the essence and specifics for practically locating such areas of heterogeneous, poorly stratified atmosphere, from which lidar data should be excluded from analysis, are considered. To apply the three-directional differential solution, the lidar backscatter signals measured under three elevation angles are selected and analyzed. The theoretical basis of this solution is delineated. The specifics inherent to this remote sensing method are illustrated by simulated and experimental lidar data.