CL51DEMO

Vaisala Laser Ceilometer CL51 Demonstration

14 November 2013 - 26 November 2013

Lead Scientist: Herb Winston

Observatory: SGP (Southern Great Plains)

Improvements in the measurement of clouds and the ability to support these observation systems are critically important to understand and improve global climate model performance. The purpose of a demonstration of the Vaisala CL51 Ceilometer is to evaluate its high-range capabilities as a possible augmentation to data provided by the CL31 that is currently deployed at the ARM sites. Vaisala performed a no-cost demonstration of the equipment; PNNL supported the data analysis; and ARM provided logistical support, power, maintenance, etc. The laser ceilometer provided measurements of cloud-base height, vertical visibility, and backscatter profile at a vertical range of 13 km. The ceilometer demonstration was conducted during the Cirrus Clouds and Aerosol Properties Campaign to provide coincident observations of cirrus cloud heights and potential backscatter signals by aerosols. This campaign included deployment of a CL51 Ceilometer at the SGP site, co-located with the current CL31 (VCEIL), Micropulse Lidar (MPL) and Balloon-Borne Sounding System (SONDE). Data collected from these sensors will be analyzed to compare and contrast the data from the CL51. The results of data analysis will be presented at the ASR Science Team Meeting.