Lidar system for investigation of aerosols and cirrus clouds near the equator

In the current environment of concern over global warming, climate change, and ozone depletion/recovery, measurements in the tropics, within 5 degrees of the equator are limited and/or sporadic. Clearly, routine observations in this region would be of great benefit to many programs including those dealing with atmospheric chemistry, dynamics and radiation, and validation of satellite instruments. Such observations represent the primary goals of the Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Change (NDSC).