This project was a test of the capability of five Micro-Pulse DIALs (MPDs) to operate in unattended mode within a network configuration during the convective storm season. The project occured at the US Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) facility Southern Great Plains (SGP) field sites, allowing for collocation with ARM operational instruments, including Raman lidar, Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometers (AERIs), microwave radiometers and Doppler lidars. ARM supported this project by providing eight radiosonde launches per day from the SGP Central Facility. The test goals were to:
In retrospect this was largely an engineering excercise which will be used to refine the instrument design. Yet it was a significant milestone as the first network demonstration of continuous, high-vertical-resolution water vapor profiles obtained by 'low-cost' DIAL.