Transformation of the light backscattering matrices from crystal clouds during a variation of the zenith sensing angle

Problems concerning the interpretation of the results of crystal cloud investigations by laser sensing are considered. The parameters characterizing the orientation of cloud particles are determined using backscattering matrix elements. It is shown how these parameters are related to the probability density of the particle distribution over the spatial orientation angles. The trends in the change of the backscattering matrices at variations of the zenith angle of a sensing path inclination are shown by the example of a monodisperse ensemble of ice particles.