New Ceilometer Software Provides Mixing Layer Height Assessment Option

A new operating system available for Campbell Scientific’s (UK) CS135 Ceilometer adds several important new features to the instrument. The major one being that the sensor, previously used for calculation of cloud base and vertical visibility, now offers an option (chargeable) for the assessment of the Mixing Layer Height (MLH).

Mixing Layer Height is an important parameter in modelling air quality and predicting air pollution episodes. It is also a very difficult parameter to measure without expensive sounding systems.

The process is automated and based on the operational algorithm used by KNMI* and searches for the drop in backscatter associated with the transition from boundary layer aerosols to free troposphere. The results are incorporated in data messages making it easy to incorporate the MLH into whatever systems are already in use without the need to run external special software.

The new OS is compatible with all CS135 sensors and also offers stratocumulus based calibration, faster inclinometer response, sky condition reporting (cloud coverage), heater and blower controls and independent clock checking for accuracy.

*Determination of mixing layer height from ceilometer backscatter profile, Marijn de Haij; Wiel Wauben; Henk Klein Baltink

Proc. SPIE6362, Remote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere XI, 63620R (October 11, 2006): doi:10.111/12.691050