Cloud Chamber Studies on the Linear Depolarisation Ratio of Small Cirrus Ice Crystals
Abstract
Space-borne lidar, in combination with other remote sensing instrumentation, has been used to infer vertical profiles of ice cloud properties from A-train satellites, and more recently, also from the newly launched EarthCARE mission. However, accurately retrieving ice crystal microphysical properties from lidar signals requires a thorough understanding of their relationship to backscattering characteristics. Cloud chambers can be used to study the link under a controlled environment. This study investigates the link between the linear depolarisation ratio in the near-backscattering direction (178°) and the ice microphysical properties for 47 cloud experiments at cirrus temperatures between −75 and −39 °C. Predominantly small (diameter
Fields of Study & Subjects
Atmospheric aerosols and clouds
Cryospheric studies and observations
Meteorological Phenomena and Simulations
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Atmospheric chemistry and physics
- Publisher
- Copernicus GmbH
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 1277–1300
- Publication date
- 26 January 2026
- Language
- EN