Abstract
Clouds and aerosols play important role in radiative process of the atmosphere, and the observation of three dimentional distributions of clouds and aerosols are required in the studies of climate change. Lidars are useful tools for visualizing the distributions of clouds and aerosols. Vertical profile of clouds and aerosols has been continuously observed at NIES in Tsukuba with a compact Me scattering lidar. Statistical analysis of the distributions of clouds and aerosols is being conducted. Asian dust (Kosa) events are sometimes recorded in the continuous observation, and the data is used in the modeling study on transportation of Asian dust. Observation of the planetary boundary layer using three lidars has been conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia. The results reveal a typical diurnal variation with a sea/land breeze circulation. Planned three-dimensional observation of global distribution of clouds and aerosols with the NASDA's space borne lidar (ELISE) is also discussed.
