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Instrument

MPLNET
Micro-Pulse Lidar Network

The NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) is a global ground-based network of Micro-Pulse Lidar (MPL) systems that has been active since 1999. MPLNET provides continuous measurements of aerosol and cloud vertical structure as well as boundary layer height from the surface up to 30 km. The MPL systems operate at a wavelength range of 523-532 nm and have a vertically-resolved spatial resolution of 30 to 75 m depending on the station. Many of the MPLNET sites are co-located with sites in the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) to help reduce errors in retrievals.

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 > Altitude > Planetary Boundary Layer Height
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Properties > Cloud Vertical Distribution
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Backscatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Extinction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Optical Depth/thickness
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Backscatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Properties > Cloud Height
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Optical Depth/thickness
Full Column Profile
1 min
30-75 m
573 THz, 569 THz, 564 THz
Currently unavailble
  • Ellsworth Judd Nelson

  • Sebastian A. Stewart

  • NASA

  • NASA Radiation Sciences Program

  • Overview PublicationExternal Link

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