What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate the phase composition and crystal orientation of virga and its parent cloud using polarized lidar measurements.

Depolarization of Lidar Returns from Virga and Source Cloud

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Remote sensing analysis reveals oriented ice crystals in virga and glaciated clouds, indicating a nonturbulent atmosphere during precipitation.

To investigate the phase composition and crystal orientation of virga and its parent cloud using polarized lidar measurements.
Measured polarized lidar backscatter signals transmitted into a source cloud and associated descending virga.
Calculated depolarization ratios to evaluate particle phase, glaciation extent, and hydrometeor spatial orientation.
Depolarization signatures indicate that the source cloud is largely glaciated.
Virga produced depolarization ratios greater than 1, demonstrating that the falling ice crystals maintain a preferred, non-random orientation within a nonturbulent atmosphere.

Derr et al. (1976) studied this question.

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Remote sensing analysis reveals oriented ice crystals in virga and glaciated clouds, indicating a nonturbulent atmosphere during precipitation.