Networkable Automated Water Vapor Lidar for Tropospheric Profiling

Measurement of the vertical profile of H2O vapor in the lower atmosphere can provide new understanding of the dynamics of H2O vapor mass transport on several scales. Such measurements can improve predictive capability for precipitation forecasts. They can also lead to increased understanding of complex feedback mechanisms involving the interaction of H2O vapor, temperature, radiative balance, and precipitation and therefore are important to global climate change modeling. While techniques exist to measure vertical profiles of H2O vapor in the atmosphere, there is a need for a compact and economical sensor that can make these measurements in the field in an automated manner as part of a network. Physical Sciences Inc. and Montana State University propose to develop a compact Differential Absorption Lidar to measure vertical profiles of H2O vapor in the lower atmosphere. This system will have the capability to make round-the-clock measurements in a network environment. The Phase I program will enhance the long term stability of the system; a prototype system will be fabricated in Phase II and demonstrated at the DoE Southern Great Plains site. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The primary envisioned market for the compact water vapor DIAL system is for routine water field measurements for meteorology. The increased data volume is expected to lead to improved general weather forecasts, as well as those for extreme events. In addition, the basic platform can be adapted to measurement of CO2, CH4, and CO by using amplified near-infrared telecom sources.