Mesospheric cloud simulations and water vapour retrieval from WINDII observations

A 1-D version of the CARMA (Community Aerosol and Radiation Model for Atmospheres) v2.2 model created by NASA Ames Aerosol Modeling Group and satellite observations of temperature and water vapour by the HALOE (Halogen Occultation Experiment) experiment on UARS are used in a study of the physical properties of mesospheric clouds (MC) (known also as Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMC)). The results of the simulations showed that the 1-D CARMA v2.2 model is capable of simulating iced particle layers, although underestimating the life-cycle and size of the particles. Employing considerations of particle scattering theory and backscatter ratio, profiles retrieved from Rayleigh volume scattering rates observed by the WINDII (Wind Imaging Interferometer) on UARS, allows the derivation of plausible water vapour profiles associated with the MC observations. The retrieved water vapour profiles have been compared with data from the 1976 US Standard Arctic Summer Atmosphere, the HALOE experiment, and independent values obtained by other authors in MC simulations. The study conducted has shown that the properties of MC can reliably be described and retrieved from satellite observations of mesospheric temperature, water vapour, and backscatter ratios by employing a 1-D microphysical model. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...