Spatial distribution of the attenuation coefficient of the Baikal Lake water was observed in 2003 with lidar, placed onboard the scientific vessel. Some observations were accompanied by simultaneous measurements of the attenuation and backscattering coefficients with submerged apparatus. The lidar and in situ measurements are compared. Problems concerned with the detection of the turbid underwater layers with the use of elastic lidars are discussed.
lidar, elastic scattering, inherent optical properties