In this paper, we estimated the effective size of ice crystals in cirrus clouds using fall velocity derived from LiDAR (light detection and ranging) measurements at Chung-Li (24.58 degrees N, 121.1 degrees E), Taiwan. Nine shapes of the ice crystals, viz, hexagonal plates, hexagonal columns, rimed long columns, crystals with sector-like branches, broad-branched crystals, stellar crystal with broad arms, side planes, bullet rosettes and assemblages of planar poly-crystals of specific dimensions have been analyzed. The results show that the lidar derived most probable mean effective size of ice crystals is 340 +/- 180 pm with a dominant size range of 200-300 mu m. The lidar derived mean effective size of cirrus crystals are parameterized in terms of cloud mid-height temperature as well as optical depth. The discussed method will be useful to study the most probable effective size distribution of ice crystals in cirrus cloud. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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JOURNAL OF ATMOSPHERIC AND SOLAR-TERRESTRIAL PHYSICS
