act.retrievals.calculate_gradient_pbl#

act.retrievals.calculate_gradient_pbl(ds, parm='beta_att', dis_parm='range', min_height=100, smooth_dis=5)[source]#

Estimation of the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) height from a backscatter LIDAR through a gradient method, where the PBL height is identified through the sharpest negative gradient.

Note: This retrieval method should be applied under a cloud-free, well-mixed PBL condition.

It is not expected perform well in cloud capped boundary layers. Additional PRs will be included within the near future to address more PBL environmental conditions.

Parameters:

  • ds (xarray.Dataset) – Dataset containing the zenith-pointing remote sensing data.

  • parm (str) – Variable in the dataset to compute gradient on (e.g., attenuated backscatter).

  • dis_parm (str) – Distance-from-instrument coordinate (e.g., ‘range’ or ‘height’).

  • min_height (float) – Minimum allowed PBL height in meters.

  • smooth_dis (int) – Number of bins to average vertical profile over to smooth data

Returns:

ds (xarray.Dataset) – Dataset with a new variable pbl_gradient containing PBL heights.

References

Hayden, K. L. et al. (1997): The vertical chemical and meteorological

structure of the boundary layer in the Lower Fraser Valley during Pacific ’93. Atmospheric Environment, 31, 2089–2105, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(96)00300-7.

Li, H., Yang, Y., Hu, X.M., Huang, Z., Wang, G., Zhang, B., Zhang, T. (2017).

Evaluation of retrieval methods of daytime convective boundary layer height based on lidar data. J. Geophys. Res. 122, 4578–4593. https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JD025620

Wang, Y.-C., Wang, S.-H., Lewis, J. R., Chang, S.-C., & Griffith, S. M.

(2021). Determining Planetary Boundary Layer Height by Micro-pulse Lidar with Validation by UAV Measurements. Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 21 (5), 200336. Retrieved 2025-10-15, from https://aaqr.org/articles/aaqr-20-06-oa-0336

On this page

This Page