Assessment of a Broadband Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) for use in a ground-based measurement network

Convective-scale forecasts require more detailed and continuous observational data of thermodynamic profiles and wind profiles in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) than currently provided. In order to meet these data requirements in the future, DWD evaluates various surface remote sensing systems targeted on ABL-profiling for routine network operation.

One of the candidate systems in operation at the Observatory Lindenberg is a new pre-production broadband DIAL from Vaisala. DIAL instruments are well-established in research activities, but this instrument is developed for operationally providing water vapor profile observations in the ABL during all weather conditions. We present evaluation results of the DIAL’s operational performance regarding the quality of the water vapor profiles and report on its ability to monitor sub-grid scale processes, such as convection and associated weather phenomena. This includes comparisons with radiosounding observations (4 per day) over at least one year of continuous observations and additional comparisons with Raman lidar for a three-month period during summer 2021. Furthermore, we provide observation-minus-background statistics between the DIAL and the ICON limited area model (ICON-LAM) to evaluate the model performance, e.g. under convection, and to identify observational error sources.

This contribution provides knowledge regarding the operational viability of the new pre-production broadband DIAL, its value for monitoring water vapour profiles 24/7 and ABL processes for future model applications.