Brazilian Lidar Atmospheric Profiles from 1972 to Present

Lidar data from Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, collected from 1972 to the present day. The dataset includes aerosol backscatter ratios from 15-30 km altitude, sodium densities from 75-105 km, and atmospheric density and temperature profiles from 35-70 km. Data was gathered by the CEOS_EXTRA organization using lidar systems at 589.0 nm and 593.0 nm wavelengths.

Use Cases

• Analyze temporal trends in sodium density from 75 to 105 km altitude using the long-term record from 1972-1993.
• Study aerosol backscatter ratio profiles between 15 and 30 km to investigate stratospheric aerosol loading.
• Derive atmospheric density and temperature from 35 to 70 km using the Rayleigh scatter profiles collected since 1983.
• Investigate diurnal cycles of sodium concentration using daytime campaign data available from 1981-1993.

Strengths

• Long-term temporal coverage spanning over 50 years from 1972 to the present.
• Provides vertical profile data for three distinct atmospheric parameters (aerosol backscatter, sodium density, atmospheric density/temperature) across different altitude ranges.
• Includes both night-time and, from 1981-1993, daytime campaign data capturing diurnal cycles.

Limitations

• Spatial coverage is limited to a single location: Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil (23°S, 45°W).
• Data periodicity is irregular, with measurements historically taken approximately weekly, and includes gaps.
• Early data (1972-1981) is restricted to night-time measurements only at the 589.0 nm wavelength.

Provenance

Source

CEOS_EXTRA, via the NASA Earthdata platform.

Collection Method

Ground-based lidar measurements at wavelengths of 589.0 nm and 593.0 nm.

Time Range

1972 to present

Freshness

Data collection is ongoing, with measurements obtained approximately on a weekly basis up to the present day.

Geography

Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil (23°S, 45°W)