A 3D Polarized Monte Carlo Lidar System Simulator for Studying Effects of Cirrus Inhomogeneities on CALIOP/CALIPSO Measurements

To estimate cirrus inhomogeneity effects on the apparent backscatter and on the apparent depolarization ratio measured by CALIOP/CALIPSO, a 3D polarized Monte Carlo LIDAR simulator was developed. Comparisons were done with the fast Hogan's LIDAR simulator. Early results show that clouds inhomogeneous effects seem to be negligible on the apparent backscatter but not on the apparent depolarization ratio.