Lidar observations of polar mesospheric clouds at South Pole: Diurnal variations

Chu, Xinzhao; Gardner, Chester S.; Papen, George

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/73143 Copy

Description

Title

Lidar observations of polar mesospheric clouds at South Pole: Diurnal variations

Author(s)

• Chu, Xinzhao
• Gardner, Chester S.
• Papen, George

Issue Date

2001-05-15

Keyword(s)

• South Pole
• Polar mesospheric clouds

Geographic Coverage

South Pole

Abstract

Polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) were observed by a ground-based Fe Boltzmann temperature lidar for 65 h on 17-19 and 24-26 January 2000 above the geographic South Pole. The mean PMC backscatter ratio, volume backscatter coetficient, total backscatter coetficient, layer centroid altitude, and layer rms width are 53.5, 2.9x10 -9 m-Xsr -x, 4.3x10 -6 sr -x, 85.37 km, and 0.78 km, respectively. Strong semidiurnal and diurnal oscillations were observed in the PMC backscatter ratio, volume backscatter coetficient, total backscatter coetficient, and centroid altitude. The oscillations are all maximum around 0630 and 1900 UT. The variations appear to be linked to vertical advection of the PMC scattering layers by a persistent oscillation in the vertical wind velocity. Scattering is strongest when the PMCs are highest which suggests that the colder temperatures at higher altitudes near the mesopause facilitate the formation of larger PMC particles.

Publisher

American Geophysical Union

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/73143

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1029/2000GL012525

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2001 American Geophysical Union

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