Lidar observations of aerosol occurrence in the middle atmosphere of Kamchatka in 2007–2011

Abstract

The lidar observations, performed in Kamchatka during period from October 2007 to December 2010, are used to analyze the behavior of the vertical aerosol structure in the altitude interval of 30–80 km. The data obtained revealed a regular occurrence of the aerosol scattering during winter in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere at altitudes of 60–75 km. The aerosol scattering in these regions becomes apparent in late October and disappears in March-April. During the warm season (from April to October), the lidar signals correspond well to Rayleigh molecular scattering.