LIDAR and RADAR Observations

Kurzfassung

While basically RADARs and LIDARs share the same principles of measurements, because of their different wavelengths, RADARs and LIDARs are sensitive to different characteristics of the atmosphere. LIDARs are used primarily for clear air sensing of molecular and particulate species (including ice clouds). RADAR measurements are most widely used for cloud and rain sensing. However, there are overlaps in the capabilities and new applications take advantage of recently developed installations of RADAR and LIDAR on the same aircraft. Several books exist which detail LIDAR or RADAR techniques and applications. It is not the objective of this chapter to fully describe such techniques or to delve into details about electromagnetic interaction processes. Rather, the objectives of this chapter are to (i)present, in parallel, optical and microwave measurement principles focusing on similarities and differences; (ii) highlight recent advances in observations, including synergetic ones; and (iii) to present state-of-the-art results related to the characterization of the atmospheric parameters and composition from airborne LIDAR and RADAR observations. Surface and subsurface characterization are not part of this review.