Recent advances in the technology of the optical radar (lidar) are reviewed. Its use as a remote probe for the study of atmospheric parameters, such as water vapor, density, temperature and aerosols at altitudes above 10 km is discussed. The lidar data on the reflectivity of the 20 km sulfate layer is used to determine the most likely size distribution of the particulates in that layer.
1 Paper presented at the IAMAP meetings, Lucerne, Switzerland, 28 September 1967.
2 Present Address: United States Geological Service, Flagstaff, Ariz.
