Lidar studies of the polar troposphere

The lidar is a widely-used remote sensing tool for measurements of tropospheric constituents and processes. Despite considerable operational challenges, lidars have been deployed in the polar regions to study the unique characteristics of the high-latitude atmosphere. The relevant technologies and techniques used for profiling the polar troposphere are reviewed. Lidars and their measurements are described, from the first single-wavelength lidar aircraft campaign to today's multiple-wavelength, multiple-data product systems and satellite-borne lidars providing large-area polar coverage. Significant advancements in our understanding of tropospheric aerosols, clouds, structure, and trace gases in both the Antarctic and Arctic have been made possible through the use of lidars and these will be discussed. Copyright (C) 2011 Royal Meteorological Society