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Atmospheric Measurements by the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System: Initial ResultsThe Geoscience Laser Altimeter System launched in early 2003 is the first satellite instrument in space to globally observe the distribution of clouds and aerosol through laser remote sensing. The instrument is a basic backscatter lidar that operates at two wavelengths, 532 and 1064 nm. The mission data products for atmospheric observations include the calibrated, observed, attenuated backscatter cross section for cloud and aerosol; height detection for multiple cloud layers; planetary boundary layer height; cirrus and aerosol optical depth and the height distribution of aerosol and cloud scattering cross section profiles. The data is expected to significantly enhance knowledge in several areas of atmospheric science, in particular the distribution, transport and influence of atmospheric aerosol. Measurements of the coverage and height of polar and cirrus cloud should be significantly more accurate than previous global measurement. Initial result from the first several months of operation will be presented.
Document ID
20040012776
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Spinhirne, J. D. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Palm, S. P. (Science Systems and Applications, Inc.)
Hlavka, D. L. (Science Systems and Applications, Inc.)
Hart, W. D. (Science Systems and Applications, Inc.)
Mahesh, A. (Maryland Univ. Baltimore County Catonsville, MD, United States)
Welton, E. J. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2003
Subject Category
Geophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: IGARSS 2003
Location: Toulouse
Country: France
Start Date: July 21, 2003
End Date: July 25, 2003
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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