CLOUD STATISTICS FROM SPACEBORNE BACKSCATTER LIDAR DATA ANALYSIS

The LITE spaceborne lidar database is used to revisit the analysis of cloud structural parameters. For this purpose, a specific algorithm has been developed to better account for multilayer cloud structure. Probability density function of cloud layer top height has been determined. The methodology is presented and the results are discussed. Such an approach highlights the interest of the synergism between active and passive remote sensors for global scale measurements dedicated to climatic studies but also to chemistry transport models by the effect of clouds on photolytic rates.