the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Mixed Layer Height Retrievals Using MicroPulse Differential Absorption Lidar
Abstract. Accurate measurement of the mixed layer height (MLH) is a key observational capability necessary for many studies in weather forecasting, air quality assessment, and surface-atmosphere exchange. However, continuous MLH monitoring with backscatter lidars remains challenging under complex atmospheric conditions, including cloudy conditions and in the presence of residual layers. This study evaluates two complementary MLH retrieval algorithms using a single MicroPulse differential absorption lidar (MPD): an aerosol-based approach that analyzes aerosol backscatter gradients with a wavelet technique and a thermodynamic technique based on the vertical structure of virtual potential temperature profiles. Both techniques were compared against MLH estimates from radiosondes, a Doppler wind lidar, and a high-resolution weather model. The aerosol method achieved high temporal resolution and agreement with radiosonde MLH estimates under convective conditions (R2 = 0.819–0.919), but its MLH estimates deviated from other methods during morning and evening transitions due to residual layer interference. The thermodynamic method avoided these problems but had coarser resolution and degraded instrument performance beneath clouds (R2 = 0.661–0.845). The study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each method. Together, they offer a path toward more reliable automatic MLH monitoring with a single instrument by capturing when different MLH definitions converge.
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Status: closed
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RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1989', Anonymous Referee #1, 14 Aug 2025
- AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Luke Colberg, 10 Sep 2025
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RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1989', Anonymous Referee #2, 25 Aug 2025
This manuscript evaluates two different automatic methods to determine the Mixing Layer Height (MLH) by a MicroPulse differential absorption lidar (MPD), and provides a detailed comparison to other methods derived from Radiosonde, Doppler wind lidar and a weather model. Three case studies and a time series comparison are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of both methods. These studies elaborate the differences in MLH results of the used methods in detail and highlight their pro and cons.
The results of this study will significantly contribute to enhance the capabilities of automatic MLH retrieval network on an automatic basis. They allow for improvements of the existing worldwide MLH retrieval networks by a new method combination using the DIAL and HSRL technique.
The paper is well structured and written in excellent English. The figures are clear and well described.
I recommend the paper for publication as it is.
Just some technical corrections/questions:
- How many days were finally used for the time series comparison? Please indicate a number.
- Will the MPD lidar be commercially available soon for the community?
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1989-RC2 - AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Luke Colberg, 10 Sep 2025
Status: closed
-
RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1989', Anonymous Referee #1, 14 Aug 2025
Please find my comments/suggestions/questions in the attached file.
- AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Luke Colberg, 10 Sep 2025
-
RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1989', Anonymous Referee #2, 25 Aug 2025
This manuscript evaluates two different automatic methods to determine the Mixing Layer Height (MLH) by a MicroPulse differential absorption lidar (MPD), and provides a detailed comparison to other methods derived from Radiosonde, Doppler wind lidar and a weather model. Three case studies and a time series comparison are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of both methods. These studies elaborate the differences in MLH results of the used methods in detail and highlight their pro and cons.
The results of this study will significantly contribute to enhance the capabilities of automatic MLH retrieval network on an automatic basis. They allow for improvements of the existing worldwide MLH retrieval networks by a new method combination using the DIAL and HSRL technique.
The paper is well structured and written in excellent English. The figures are clear and well described.
I recommend the paper for publication as it is.
Just some technical corrections/questions:
- How many days were finally used for the time series comparison? Please indicate a number.
- Will the MPD lidar be commercially available soon for the community?
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1989-RC2 - AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Luke Colberg, 10 Sep 2025
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Please find my comments/suggestions/questions in the attached file.