The estimation of diffusion parameters from lidar measurements.

The evaluation of these parameters directly from the lidar returns without deriving first the wind speed values is discussed. This is done by observing the temporal variation of eddy sizes of natural aerosol concentrations during unstable conditions. Utilizing Giffords theories on smoke plume photography, the longitudinal diffusion parameters for the case of relative diffusion for diffusion times of 6-40 seconds were obtained. It is shown that the results of the calculations agree with the theory of relative diffusion. The comparison of the calculated constants with experimental values is presented and discussed. (from authors' abstract)