The 27-28 October 1986 FIRE IFO cirrus case study: a five lidar overview of cloud structure and evolution

Abstract

The lidar systems were variously equipped to collect linear depolarizaiton, intrinsically calibrated backscatter, and Doppler velocity information. The cirrus cloud types include: 1) dissipating subvisual and "thin' fibrous cirrus cloud bands, 2) an isolated mesoscale uncinus complex (MUC), 3) a large-scale, deep cloud that developed into an organized cirrus structure within the lidar array, and 4) a series of intensifying mesoscale cirrus cloud masses. Although the cirrus frequently developed in the vertical from particle fallstreaks emanating from generating regions at or near cloud tops, glaciating supercooled (-30° to -35°C) altocumulus clouds contributed to the production of ice mass at the base of the deep cirrus cloud, apparently even through riming, and other mechanisms involving evaporation, wave motions, and radiative effects are indicated. -from Authors