Washington:
Scientists in Antarctica have developed a new high-powered laser, which they claim would help them in finding out what exactly is changing in Earth's upper atmosphere, particularly the ozone layer.
The Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) shoots a beam of laser light, 20 million times more powerful than a standard electric light bulb, into the atmosphere and measures the subtle changes in the colour and intensity of the light when it is scattered by atmospheric gases and particles.
The measurements provide information on density, temperature, wind speed and aerosol particles from the surface to heights of 100 kilometres. This data helps in understanding the process associated with atmospheric change, particularly those related to the ozone hole, the scientists said.
According to lead scientist Dr Andrew Klekociuk of the Australian Antarctic Division, the new laser will provide the LIDAR with improved stability and power, and will enable measurements of atmospheric properties with higher precision. "We will be undertaking new measurements of the motion, size and composition of microscopic particles in the
Antarctic stratosphere.
"These particles play a fundamental role in the ozone chemistry, and we hope the new measurements will give us a better understanding of how the ozone hole is developing and changing," Dr Klekociuk said.
According to the scientists, the LIDAR is providing important information about long-term climate. "The Antarctic atmosphere is a litmus site for understanding and evaluating climate change because of the region's extreme physical conditions and geographical isolation," Dr Klekociuk said.