Using Mie Raman Lidar measurements to explore cloud properties

The potential of measuring low altitude optically thin clouds with a Raman-elastic lidar in the daytime is analyzed. Optical depths of low clouds are derived by two separate methods from nitrogen-Raman and elastic scattering returns. By correcting for aerosol influences with the combined Raman-elastic returns, Mie-retrievals of low cloud optical depth can be dramatically improved and show good agreement with the direct Raman retrievals. Furthermore, lidar ratio profile is mapped out and shown to be consistent with realistic water phase cloud models. The variability of lidar ratios allows us to explore the distribution of small droplets near the cloud perimeter.