Recent field studies using single wavelength, elastic backscatter lidar as a tool to extract quantitative information about aerosol plume dynamics and dispersion will be summarized. The focus of these studies has been on aerosol dispersion in the near surface boundary layer combining lidar and micrometeorology measurements. Lidar techniques have been applied using tracer plumes in the nocturnal boundary layer over a forest and a desert site. We have also quantified aerial spray drift over a desert, and dust emissions and transport from agriculture field operations.

Current studies include wave effects on aerosol dispersion in the stable boundary layer, aerosol transport over forest canopies, air quality effects of agricultural operations, spray dispersion and drift, and dispersion modeling applications. These ongoing analyses of the high-resolution, aerosol dispersion measurements are revealing exciting leads to new understanding of the structure and dynamics of both convective and nocturnal boundary layers.