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Instrument

CPL
Cloud Physics Lidar

The Cloud Physics Lidar (CPL) is an airborne lidar system designed specifically to provide multi-wavelength measurements of cirrus clouds, sub-visual cirrus clouds, and aerosols. It measures lidar backscatter across three wavelengths: 355 nm, 532 nm, and 1064 nm. These measurements can be used to derive cloud optical depth, particle size distribution, extinction profiles, aerosol layers, and other properties. CPL has a vertical resolution of 30 m and a typical horizontal resolution of 200 m.

Image of the CPL instrument
NASA's DC-8 flying laboratory passes Antarctica's tallest peak, Mount Vinson, on Oct. 22, 2012, during a flight over the continent to measure changes in the massive ice sheet and sea ice. Credit: NASA/Michael Studinger (Photography courtesy NASA Images)

Instrument Details

Lidar
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Particle Size Distribution
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Optical Depth/thickness
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Backscatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Extinction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Optical Depth/thickness
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Backscatter
Full Column Profile
0.1 s
200 m (horizontal), 30 m (vertical)
845 THz, 564 THz, 282 THz
https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.41.003725External Link
PODEX

POlarimeter Definition EXperiment

2013
San Joaquin Valley, California
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1 Deployment
· 0 Data Products
RADEX

Radar Definition Experiment (RADEX) for ACE Mission

2014—2015
Southeastern United States, North Carolina (NC); Olympic Peninsula, Washington (WA) State
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2 Deployments
· 30 Data Products
TOST

The Observing system Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX) Observing System Test

2003
Pacific Ocean, California, Hawaii (PTOST) Atlantic Ocean, Eastern United States, Canada (ATOST)
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2 Deployments
· 0 Data Products
MABEL

Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental Lidar

2010—2014
Western United States, Mid-Atlantic, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland
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7 Deployments
· 0 Data Products
MOOSE

Michigan-Ontario Ozone Source Experiment

2021
Southern Ontario, Southeastern Michigan
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1 Deployment
· 1 Data Product

Filter data products from this instrument by specific campaigns, platforms, or formats.

Campaigns
CAMPAIGNS
Platforms
PLATFORMS
Formats
FORMATS
10.5067/HS3/CPL/DATA202External Link
10.3334/ORNLDAAC/721External Link
10.3334/ORNLDAAC/1593External Link
10.3334/ORNLDAAC/1825External Link