Plume detection and tracking using Doppler lidar aerosol and wind data

Doppler lidar sensors provide a unique capability to generate high resolution 3D distributions of wind and aerosol data. Appropriately processed, these data can yield useful detection, tracking and short-term prediction information relating to the extent, density and location of potentially dangerous isolated aerosol plumes. The aerosol data are analyzed to detect above-threshold inhomogeneities and the wind and turbulence data are used to provide short- term prediction of plume propagation. Broadcast of these data to plume dispersion models can enable robust prediction of dispersion and propagation over longer time periods. Performance predictions are given for both wind and aerosol measurements. Sample processed field data results are presented for Doppler lidars operating at the eyesafe 2 micron wavelength.