Doppler Lidar Measurement of Profiles of Turbulence and Momentum Flux

Abstract A short-pulse CO2 Doppler lidar with 150-m range resolution measured vertical profiles of turbulence and momentum flux. Example measurements are reported of a daytime mixed layer with strong mechanical mixing caused by a wind speed of 15 m s−1, which exceeded the speed above the capping inversion. The lidar adapted an azimuth scanning technique previously demonstrated by radar. Scans alternating between two elevation angles allow determination of 〈u2〉, 〈v2〉, and 〈w2〉. Expressions were derived to estimate the uncertainty in the turbulence parameters. A new processing method, partial Fourier decomposition, has less uncertainty than the filtering used earlier. Substantial improvements could be had with higher pulse rate, shorter pulses and wavelengths (to improve spatial resolution and minimum range by up to an order of magnitude), and operation from an aircraft.