Abstract

Ozone profiles were measured above McMurdo Station, Antarctica, using a ground-based differential absorption lidar (DIAL) instrument during the 1987 austral spring. The instrument generated radiation at 292 and 297 nm using the frequency doubled output of a dye laser dumped by 532 nm light. Profiles were obtained on nine days from 21 Sept, through 07 Oct. 87. Profiles displayed typical tropospheric ozone values between altitudes of five and ten kilometers. Between ten and fifteen kilometers structure was observed on several nights with peaks in ozone concentration near 11-13 km and minimums at 15-16 km. PSCs were observed on several nights at altitudes ranging from 12 to 15 km. Unusual extinction in the laser signal returns was noted on several nights at altitudes from 12-16 kilometers and was usually correlated with PSC activity. Signal cutoff generally occurred within a range cell of 300 meters and when seen always appeared on the 292 nm channel although it was sometimes also observed at the 297 nm wavelength. Its duration was from minutes to many hours. No evidence for enhanced backscattering near the extinction region was observed.

© 1990 Optical Society of America