Long-term continuous operation of the University of Wisconsin High Spectral
Resolution Lidar in the High Arctic.

Author: Edwin W. Eloranta

Presentation: Oral

Biographical Info:

Senior Scientist University of Wisconsin, Fellow of the American
Meteorological Society, Member Optical Society of America, Member
IEEE, PhD University of Wisconsin 1972.


Keywords: Lidar, High Spectral Resolution, optical depth, Arctic


The University of Wisconsin Arctic High Spectral Resolution Lidar
(AHSRL) is designed for long-term minimally tended remote
operation. It provides calibrated profiles of backscatter cross
section, optical depth and depolarization. Operation of the AHSRL is
monitored and controlled via the Internet. Data is transfered to 
our laboratory in realtime via the Internet.

Since August 1, 2005 the AHSRL has operated in the high Arctic at
Eureka, Canada (80N, 85W) as part of the US National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) SEARCH program. SEARCH
instrumentation also includes the NOAA Millimeter Cloud Radar (MMCR)
and the University of Idaho Polar Atmospheric Emitted Radation
Interferomenter (PAERI).

The instruments have provided a nearly continuous data stream since
installation. All data is made available to the public in realtime. An
inovative web site, with on demand data processing, provides customized
images and netcdf formated data files. Of particluar interest are
cloud particle size, liquid water content and particle number
densities derived from the combination of lidar and radar
data. Because lidar/radar size retrievals are subject to particle size
distribution and shape assumptions the web site provides user inputs
for the free parameters. Thus, the user can easily evaluate the level
on uncertianty attributable to these assumptions.

In addition to describing the instrument depolyment and data distribution
system, this paper will present samples of the data along with cloud 
climatologies derived from operations to date.