NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Corona-producing cirrus cloud properties derived from polarization lidar and photographic analysesPolarization lidar data are used to demonstrate that clouds composed of hexagonal ice crystals can generate multiple-ringed colored coronas. Although relatively uncommon in the mid-latitude cirrus sample, the coronas are associated with unusual cloud conditions that appear to be effective in generating the displays. Invariably, the cirrus cloud tops are located at or slightly above elevated tropopauses at temperatures between -60 and -70 C. The cloud top region also generates relatively strong laser backscattering and unusually high 0.5-0.7 linear depolarization ratios. Color photograph analysis of corona ring angles indicates crystals with mean diameters of from 12 to 30 microns. The cirrus cloud types were mainly subvisual to thin cirrostratus, but also included fibrous cirrus. Estimated cloud optical thicknesses at the 0.694-micron laser wavelength ranged from about 0.001 to 0.2, where the upper limit reflects the effects of multiple scattering and/or unfavorable changes in particle characteristics in deep cirrus clouds.
Document ID
19910065930
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Sassen, Kenneth
(Utah, University Salt Lake City, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
August 20, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Applied Optics
Volume: 30
ISSN: 0003-6935
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
91A50553
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG1-868
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-89-14348
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-85-13975
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available