With remote sensing, many atmospheric parameters can be determined with better coverage and temporal resolution than with in-situ techniques. The fast and high-resolution measurement of profiles and of the 3-dimensional structure of atmospheric state parameters and trace gas concentrations are of prime interest in order to improve our understanding of atmospheric processes and their model representation.
For this purpose, we are developing mobile scanning lidar systems and employ these instruments within field campaigns. Furthermore, we operate Doppler lidars and a cloud Doppler radar, analyze satellite data, and participate in development studies for future airborne and satellite-borne instruments.
One focus of our research is lidar (light detection and ranging), a laser-based remote sensing technique for amospheric measurements.
The measurement principle of lidar is based on the emission of short laser pulses into the atmosphere and the detection and analysis of their backscatter echos. Range is determined from the run time of the signals. With spectroscopic techniques, we can measure atmospheric state parameters and trace gas concentrations, detect aerosol and cloud particles and determine their optical properties.
Scientific Goals of the WG Remote Sensing
Development and application of high-power lidar systems for the accurate high-resolution measurement of atmospheric parameters and their 3-dimensional structure:
- Water Vapor
- Temperature
- Transport and optical properties of aerosol particles and cloud particles
- Carbon Dioxide
Our lidar systems are operated both at im LAFO (Land Atmosphere Feedback Observatory) of University of Hohenheim and within field campaigns worldwide. The measured data are analyzed in cooperation with internal and external partners (for, improved the process understanding as well as for data assimilation studies, i.e., input of the data in atmospheric models; verification of atmospheric models).
If you are interested in joining WG Remote Sensing as student assistant or for your bachelor or master thesis, please contact our secretary (Andreas.Behrendt@uni-hohenheim.de).
