Cloud-base height estimations by laser radar at Pune

Abstract

Cloud-base heights have been estimated from laser radar (lidar) observations at Pune, a low latitude tropical station. These cloud-base heights (the first base from the ground) during south-west monsoon are found to be lower than those observed during other months. Most frequently occurring cloud-base heights during monsoon months lie between 500 and 1000 m above the ground level. The heights reported here are found to be comparable to those estimated from aerological observations by other researchers at Pune. The study suggests that the fine structure of scattering in the sub-cloud air layer can yield interesting information on the type of clouds forming in the tropics.