Dynamics of the optical parameters of the Pinatubo aerosol layer from spectral polarization lidar measurements

The dynamics of the optical parameters of stratospheric aerosol produced by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption is given. Measurements were carried out using a two-wavelength lidar with operating wavelengths of 532 and 1064 nm. The pro cessing procedure of the data obtained with two-wavelength polarization las er sounding is described. The aerosol backscattering coefficient and depola rization coefficient at a wavelength of 532 nm and the ratio of the backsca ttering coefficients taken at two wavelengths are given in the form of isol ines in the height-time plane. Possible temporal transformations of stratos pheric-aerosol microphysical characteristics governing variations in the op tical parameters are discussed.