Interpretation of the backscattering phase matrix of cirrus clouds

An attempt to interpret backscattering phase matrices of cirrus clouds measured with a ground-based lidar is undertaken in this paper based on a theoretical model of interaction between optical radiation and an ensemble of flaked crystals. Deviations of the diagonal elements from unity indicated that partides orientation differed from the horizontal one and the crystals had a prefered orientation at some angle with respect to the direction of sounding. Keywords: backscattering phase matrices, cirrus douds, lidar