The detection of mixed layer depth and entrainment zone thickness from lidar backscatter profiles

Abstract

A new method is presented for the extraction of mixed layer depth and entrainment zone thickness from lidar, backscatter ratio profiles. The method is based on fitting a four parameter, idealized profile to observed profiles. Optimization of the fit yields values for mixed layer depth and entrainment zone thickness. Since the fitting procedure is based on the entire measured profile, it has a robustness not found in methods based on critical backscatter or backscatter gradient. The method is tested by application to four measured profiles and three synthetic profiles. The sets of profiles include some that are very demanding because of small mixed layer to upper layer backscatter ratio contrast, or have plumes of high backscatter imbedded in mixed and upper layers. It is shown that the method is robust and simple to implement, even for a sequence of independent profiles.