Characterization of the variability of the humidity and cloud fields as observed from a cluster of ground-based lidar systems

Three lidar stations located in Southern Italy were operational during the Italian phase of the EAQUATE campaign in September 2004. With this cluster of instruments, the characterization of water vapour and clouds distribution and evolution with high temporal and vertical resolution is possible. A cirrus cloud episode and the presence of an elevated humid layer in the free troposphere observed at all three stations are analysed in detail. Variability of both cirrus cloud and water vapour fields is studied on different spatial and temporal scales.