Lidar model with parameterized multiple scattering for retrieving cloud optical properties

Cirrus clouds play an important role in the climate through their optical and microphysical properties. The problem with measuring optical properties of these clouds can be partially addressed by using lidar systems. This paper presents a new model for describing the multiple scattering contribution to the backscatter signal measured by the lidar system. The new lidar equation introduced this way, expresses the backscatter signal in terms of a polynomial function of the cloud scattering coefficient. Cloud optical properties such as the extinction coefficient and lidar ratio can be deduced from the new proposed lidar equation. Moreover, some cloud microphysical properties can also be inferred from these optical properties. The method is applied to lidar data collected by the micropulsed lidar operating at Nauru under the auspices of the US Department of Energy ARM program.