scholarly journals Studying the vertical aerosol extinction coefficient by comparing in situ airborne data and elastic backscatter lidar

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 4539-4554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadette Rosati ◽  
Erik Herrmann ◽  
Silvia Bucci ◽  
Federico Fierli ◽  
Francesco Cairo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Absorption Coefficient ◽  
Aerosol Particle ◽  
Index Of Refraction ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Hygroscopic Growth ◽  
Dynamic Features ◽  
Extinction Coefficients ◽  
Po Valley ◽  
Ground Station

Abstract. Vertical profiles of aerosol particle optical properties were explored in a case study near the San Pietro Capofiume (SPC) ground station during the PEGASOS Po Valley campaign in the summer of 2012. A Zeppelin NT airship was employed to investigate the effect of the dynamics of the planetary boundary layer at altitudes between ∼  50 and 800 m above ground. Determined properties included the aerosol particle size distribution, the hygroscopic growth factor, the effective index of refraction and the light absorption coefficient. The first three parameters were used to retrieve the light scattering coefficient. Simultaneously, direct measurements of both the scattering and absorption coefficient were carried out at the SPC ground station. Additionally, a single wavelength polarization diversity elastic lidar system provided estimates of aerosol extinction coefficients using the Klett method to accomplish the inversion of the signal, for a vertically resolved comparison between in situ and remote-sensing results. Note, however, that the comparison was for the most part done in the altitude range where the overlap function is incomplete and accordingly uncertainties are larger. First, the airborne results at low altitudes were validated with the ground measurements. Agreement within approximately ±25 and ±20 % was found for the dry scattering and absorption coefficient, respectively. The single scattering albedo, ranged between 0.83 and 0.95, indicating the importance of the absorbing particles in the Po Valley region. A clear layering of the atmosphere was observed during the beginning of the flight (until ∼  10:00 LT – local time) before the mixing layer (ML) was fully developed. Highest extinction coefficients were found at low altitudes, in the new ML, while values in the residual layer, which could be probed at the beginning of the flight at elevated altitudes, were lower. At the end of the flight (after ∼  12:00 LT) the ML was fully developed, resulting in constant extinction coefficients at all altitudes measured on the Zeppelin NT. Lidar estimates captured these dynamic features well and good agreement was found for the extinction coefficients compared to the in situ results, using fixed lidar ratios (LR) between 30 and 70 sr for the altitudes probed with the Zeppelin. These LR are consistent with values for continental aerosol particles that can be expected in this region.

scholarly journals Comparison of vertical aerosol extinction coefficients from in-situ and LIDAR measurements

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (13) ◽  
pp. 18609-18651
Author(s):  
B. Rosati ◽  
E. Herrmann ◽  
S. Bucci ◽  
F. Fierli ◽  
F. Cairo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Absorption Coefficient ◽  
Local Time ◽  
Index Of Refraction ◽  
Aerosol Size Distribution ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Dynamic Features ◽  
Extinction Coefficients ◽  
Po Valley ◽  
Ground Station

Abstract. Vertical profiles of aerosol optical properties were explored in a case study near the San Pietro Capofiume (SPC) ground station during the PEGASOS Po Valley campaign in the summer of 2012. A Zeppelin NT airship was employed to investigate the effect of the dynamics of the planetary boundary layer at altitudes between ~ 50–800 m above ground. Determined properties included the aerosol size distribution, the hygroscopic growth factor, the effective index of refraction and the light absorption coefficient. The first three parameters were used to retrieve the light scattering coefficient. Simultaneously, direct measurements of both the scattering and absorption coefficient were carried out at the SPC ground station. Additionally, a LIDAR system provided aerosol extinction coefficients for a vertically resolved comparison between in-situ and remote sensing results. First, the airborne results at low altitudes were validated with the ground measurements. Agreement within approximately ±25 and ±20% was found for the dry scattering and absorption coefficient, respectively. The single scattering albedo, ranged between 0.83 to 0.95, indicating the importance of the absorbing particles in the Po Valley region. A clear layering of the atmosphere was observed during the beginning of the flight (until ~ 10 local time) before the mixed layer (ML) was fully developed. Highest extinction coefficients were found at low altitudes, in the new ML, while values in the residual layer, which could be probed at the beginning of the flight at elevated altitudes, were lower. At the end of the flight (after ~ 12 local time) the ML was fully developed, resulting in constant extinction coefficients at all altitudes measured on the Zeppelin NT. LIDAR results captured these dynamic features well and good agreement was found for the extinction coefficients compared to the in-situ results, using fixed LIDAR ratios (LR) between 30 and 70 sr for the altitudes probed with the Zeppelin. These LR are consistent with values for continental aerosol particles that can be expected in this region.

scholarly journals Biomass-burning and urban emission impacts in the Andes Cordillera region based on in-situ measurements from the Chacaltaya observatory, Bolivia (5240 m a.s.l.)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chauvigné Aurélien ◽  
Diego Aliaga ◽  
Marcos Andrade ◽  
Patrick Ginot ◽  
Radovan Krejci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Aerosol Particle ◽  
Biomass Burning ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Stable Layer ◽  
La Paz ◽  
Extinction Coefficients ◽  
El Alto

Abstract. We present the variability of aerosol particle optical properties measured at the global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) station Chacaltaya (5240 m a.s.l.). The in-situ mountain site is ideally located to study regional impacts of the densely populated urban area of La Paz/El Alto, and the intensive activity in the Amazonian basin. Four year measurements allow to study aerosol particle properties for distinct atmospheric conditions as stable and turbulent layers, different airmass origins, as well as for wet and dry seasons, including biomass-burning influenced periods. The absorption, scattering and extinction coefficients (median annual values of 0.74, 12.14 and 12.96 Mm−1 respectively) show a clear seasonal variation with low values during the wet season (0.57, 7.94 and 8.68 Mm−1 respectively) and higher values during the dry season (0.80, 11.23 and 14.51 Mm−1 respectively). These parameters also show a pronounced diurnal variation (maximum during daytime, minimum during night-time, as a result of the dynamic and convective effects of leading to lower atmospheric layers reaching the site during daytime. Retrieved intensive optical properties are significantly different from one season to the other, showing the influence of different sources of aerosols according to the season. Both intensive and extensive optical properties of aerosols were found to be different among the different atmospheric layers. The particle light absorption, scattering and extinction coefficients are in average 1.94, 1.49 and 1.55 times higher, respectively, in the turbulent layer compared to the stable layer. We observe that the difference is highest during the wet season and lowest during the dry season. Using wavelength dependence of aerosol particle optical properties, we discriminated contributions from natural (mainly mineral dust) and anthropogenic (mainly biomass-burning and urban transport or industries) emissions according to seasons and tropospheric layers. The main sources influencing measurements at CHC are arising from the urban area of La Paz/El Alto, and regional biomass-burning from the Amazonian basin. Results show a 28 % to 80 % increase of the extinction coefficients during the biomass-burning season with respect to the dry season, which is observed in both tropospheric layers. From this analyse, long-term observations at CHC provides the first direct evidence of the impact of emissions in the Amazonian basin on atmospheric optical properties far away from their sources, all the way to the stable layer.

scholarly journals The CU Airborne MAX-DOAS instrument: vertical profiling of aerosol extinction and trace gases

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 719-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Baidar ◽  
H. Oetjen ◽  
S. Coburn ◽  
B. Dix ◽  
I. Ortega ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Trace Gases ◽  
Stray Light ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Vertical Profiles ◽  
Maximum Information ◽  
Extinction Coefficients

Abstract. The University of Colorado Airborne Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (CU AMAX-DOAS) instrument uses solar stray light to detect and quantify multiple trace gases, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), glyoxal (CHOCHO), formaldehyde (HCHO), water vapor (H2O), nitrous acid (HONO), iodine monoxide (IO), bromine monoxide (BrO), and oxygen dimers (O4) at multiple wavelengths (absorption bands at 360, 477, 577, 632 nm) simultaneously in the open atmosphere. The instrument is unique as it (1) features a motion compensation system that decouples the telescope field of view from aircraft movements in real time (<0.35° accuracy), and (2) includes measurements of solar stray light photons from nadir, zenith, and multiple elevation angles forward and below the plane by the same spectrometer/detector system. Sets of solar stray light spectra collected from nadir to zenith scans provide some vertical profile information within 2 km above and below the aircraft altitude, and the vertical column density (VCD) below the aircraft is measured in nadir view. Maximum information about vertical profiles is derived simultaneously for trace gas concentrations and aerosol extinction coefficients over similar spatial scales and with a vertical resolution of typically 250 m during aircraft ascent/descent. The instrument is described, and data from flights over California during the CalNex (California Research at the Nexus of Air Quality and Climate Change) and CARES (Carbonaceous Aerosols and Radiative Effects Study) air quality field campaigns is presented. Horizontal distributions of NO2 VCD (below the aircraft) maps are sampled with typically 1 km resolution, and show good agreement with two ground-based MAX-DOAS instruments (slope = 0.95 ± 0.09, R2 = 0.86). As a case study vertical profiles of NO2, CHOCHO, HCHO, and H2O concentrations and aerosol extinction coefficients, ε, at 477 nm calculated from O4 measurements from a low approach at Brackett airfield inside the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) are presented. These profiles contain ~12 degrees of freedom (DOF) over a 3.5 km altitude range, an independent information approximately every 250 m. The boundary layer NO2 concentration, and the integral aerosol extinction over height (aerosol optical depth, AOD) agrees well with nearby ground-based in situ NO2 measurement, and AERONET station. The detection limits of NO2, CHOCHO, HCHO, H2O442, &amp;varepsilon;360, &amp;varepsilon;477 for 30 s integration time spectra recorded forward of the plane are 5 ppt, 3 ppt, 100 ppt, 42 ppm, 0.004 km−1, 0.002 km−1 in the free troposphere (FT), and 30 ppt, 16 ppt, 540 ppt, 252 ppm, 0.012 km−1, 0.006 km−1 inside the boundary layer (BL), respectively. Mobile column observations of trace gases and aerosols are complimentary to in situ observations, and help bridge the spatial scales that are probed by satellites and ground-based observations, and predicted by atmospheric models.

scholarly journals The Spectral Aerosol Extinction Monitoring System (SǼMS): setup, observational products, and comparisons

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 701-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Skupin ◽  
A. Ansmann ◽  
R. Engelmann ◽  
H. Baars ◽  
T. Müller
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Extinction Coefficients ◽  
Spectrally Resolved ◽  
Automated Instrument ◽  
Statistical Results

Abstract. The Spectral Aerosol Extinction Monitoring System (SǼMS) is presented that allows us to continuously measure the spectral extinction coefficient of atmospheric aerosol particles along an approximately 2.7 km long optical path at 30–50 m height above ground in Leipzig (51.3° N, 12.4° E), Germany. The fully automated instrument measures the ambient aerosol extinction coefficients from 300 to 1000 nm. The main goal of SǼMS observations are long-term studies of the relationship between particle extinction and relative humidity from below 40% to almost 100%. The setup is presented and observations (a case study and statistical results for 2009) are discussed in terms of time series of 550 nm particle optical depth, Ångström exponent, and particle size distribution retrieved from the spectrally resolved extinction. The SǼMS measurements are compared with simultaneously performed EARLINET (European Aerosol Research Lidar Network) lidar, AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) sun photometer, and in situ aerosol observations of particle size distribution and related extinction coefficients on the roof of our institute. Consistency between the different measurements is found, which corroborates the quality of the SǼMS observations. Statistical results of a period of 1 yr (2009) show mode extinction values of 0.09 km−1 (SǼMS), 0.075 km−1 (AERONET), and 0.03 km−1 (in situ). Ångström exponents for this period are 0.19 (390–880 nm, SǼMS) and 1.55 (440–870 nm, AERONET).

A comprehensive database of the optical properties of irregular aerosol particles for radiative transfer simulations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masanori Saito ◽  
Ping Yang ◽  
Jiachen Ding ◽  
Xu Liu
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Radiative Transfer ◽  
Aerosol Particle ◽  
Volcanic Ash ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Single Scattering ◽  
Dust Aerosol ◽  
Index Of Refraction ◽  
Particle Sizes

AbstractA database (TAMUdust2020) of the optical properties of irregular aerosol particles is developed for applications to radiative transfer simulations involving aerosols, particularly dust and volcanic ash particles. The particle shape model assumes an ensemble of irregular hexahedral geometries to mimic complex aerosol particle shapes in nature. State-of-the-art light scattering computational capabilities are employed to compute the single-scattering properties of these particles for wide ranges of values of the size parameter, the index of refraction, and the degree of sphericity. The database therefore is useful for various radiative transfer applications over a broad spectral region from ultraviolet to infrared. Overall, agreement between simulations and laboratory/in-situ measurements is achieved for the scattering phase matrix and backscattering of various dust aerosol and volcanic ash particles. Radiative transfer simulations of active and passive spaceborne sensor signals for dust plumes with various aerosol optical depths and the effective particle sizes clearly demonstrate the applicability of the database for aerosol studies. In particular, the present database includes, for the first time, robust backscattering of nonspherical particles spanning the entire range of aerosol particle sizes, which shall be useful to appropriately interpret lidar signals related to the physical properties of aerosol plumes. Furthermore, thermal infrared simulations based on in-situ measured refractive indices of dust aerosol particles manifest the effects of the regional variations of aerosol optical properties. This database includes a user-friendly interface to obtain user-customized aerosol single-scattering properties with respect to spectrally dependent complex refractive index, size, and the degree of sphericity.

scholarly journals Diurnal Behavior of Aerosol Optical Properties Studied with Lidar and Ground-Based Instruments

2020 ◽  
Vol 237 ◽  
pp. 02011
Author(s):  
Prane Mariel Ong ◽  
Nofel Lagrosas ◽  
Tatsuo Shiina ◽  
Hiroaki Kuze
Keyword(s):  
Single Scattering ◽  
In Situ Monitoring ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Size Change ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Extinction Coefficients ◽  
Number Distribution ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Diurnal Behavior

The combined use of remote sensing and in-situ monitoring instruments could help improve the assessment of near-surface aerosol properties. In this paper, we analyze the diurnal behavior of aerosol extinction coefficients, αExt(λ), at λ=349 and 550 nm using a lidar and a present weather detector, respectively. We utilize the aerosol optical thickness (AOT), single scattering albedo (SSA), and Ångström exponent (AE) from SKYNET sky radiometer, and AE from aethalometer, and the number distribution from optical particle counter to evaluate the effect of relative humidity (RH) on aerosol extinction coefficients. It is found that although αExt(λ) often exhibits a positive correlation with the ambient RH, this relation is obscured when both the number distribution and particle size change simultaneously. Moreover, αExt at 349 nm is more sensitive to this change than at 550 nm.

scholarly journals Assessment of NAAPS-RA performance in Maritime Southeast Asia during CAMP<sup>2</sup>Ex

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva-Lou Edwards ◽  
Jeffrey S. Reid ◽  
Peng Xian ◽  
Sharon P. Burton ◽  
Anthony L. Cook ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Cloud Condensation Nuclei ◽  
Particle Mass ◽  
High Spectral Resolution ◽  
Light Extinction ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Hygroscopic Growth ◽  
Extinction Coefficients ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Aerosol Properties

Abstract. Monitoring and modeling aerosol particle lifecycle in Southeast Asia (SEA) is challenged by high cloud cover, complex meteorology, and the wide range of aerosol species, sources, and transformations found throughout the region. Satellite observations are limited, and there are few in situ observations of aerosol extinction profiles, aerosol properties, and environmental conditions. Therefore, accurate aerosol model outputs are crucial for the region. This work evaluates the Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System Reanalysis (NAAPS-RA) aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and light extinction products using airborne aerosol and meteorological measurements from the Cloud, Aerosol, and Monsoon Processes Philippines Experiment (CAMP2Ex) in SEA. Modeled AOTs and extinction coefficients were compared to those retrieved with a High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL-2). Correlations were highest for AOT in the mixed layer (AOTML; R2 = 0.83, bias = 0.00, root mean square error [RMSE] = 0.03) compared to total AOT (R2 = 0.68, bias = 0.01, RMSE = 0.14), although the correlations between the observations and 1° × 1° degree NAAPS-RA outputs were weaker in regions with strong gradients in aerosol properties, such as near areas of active convection. Correlations between simulated and retrieved aerosol extinction coefficients were highest from 145–500 m (R2 = 0.75, bias = 0.01 km−1, RMSE = 0.08 km−1) and decreased with increasing altitude (R2 = 0.69 and 0.26, bias = 0.00 and 0.00 km−1, RMSE = 0.09 and 0.00 km−1 for 500–1500 m and > 1500 m, respectively), which was likely a result of the use of bulk cloud mixing parameterizations. We also investigated the role of possible relative humidity (RH) errors in extinction simulations. Despite negative biases in modeled RH (−4.9, −7.7, and −2.3 % for altitudes < 500 m, 500–1500 m, and > 1500 m, respectively), AOT and extinction agreement with the HSRL-2 did not change significantly at any altitude when RHs from dropsondes were substituted into the model. Improvements may have been stunted due to errors in how NAAPS-RA modeled physics of particle hygroscopic growth, dry particle mass concentrations, and/or dry mass extinction efficiencies, especially when combined with AOT corrections from data assimilation. Specifically, the model overestimated the hygroscopicity of (i) smoke particles from biomass burning in the Maritime Continent (MC), and (ii) anthropogenic emissions transported from East Asia. This work provides insight into how certain environmental and microphysical properties influence AOT and extinction simulations, which can then be interpreted in the context of modeling global concentrations of particle mass and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN).

scholarly journals Spectral Aerosol Extinction Monitoring System (SÆMS): setup, observational products, and comparisons

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 8647-8677 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Skupin ◽  
A. Ansmann ◽  
R. Engelmann ◽  
H. Baars
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Extinction Coefficients ◽  
Spectrally Resolved ◽  
Automated Instrument

Abstract. A Spectral Aerosol Extinction Monitoring System (SÆMS) is presented that allows us to continuously measure the spectral extinction coefficient of atmospheric aerosol particles along an about 2.7 km long optical path at 30–50 m height above ground at Leipzig (51.3° N, 12.4° E), Germany. The fully automated instrument measures the ambient aerosol extinction coefficients from 300–1000 nm. The main goal of SÆMS observations are long-term studies of the relationship between particle extinction and relative humidity from below 40 % to almost 100 %. The setup is presented and observations (a case study and statistical results for 2009) are discussed in terms of time series of 550 nm particle optical depth, Ångström exponent, and particle size distribution retrieved from the spectrally resolved extinction. The SÆMS measurements are compared with simultaneously performed EARLINET lidar, AERONET photometer, and in situ aerosol observations of particle size distribution and related extinction coefficients at the roof of our institute. Consistency between the different measurements is found which corroborates the quality of the SÆMS observations.

scholarly journals New in situ aerosol hyperspectral optical measurements over 300–700 nm – Part 1: Spectral Aerosol Extinction (SpEx) instrument field validation during the KORUS-OC cruise

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 695-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn E. Jordan ◽  
Ryan M. Stauffer ◽  
Brian T. Lamb ◽  
Charles H. Hudgins ◽  
Kenneth L. Thornhill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wavelength Range ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Extinction Coefficients ◽  
Order Polynomial ◽  
Visible Wavelengths

Abstract. In situ observations of spectrally resolved aerosol extinction coefficients (300–700 nm at ∼ 0.8 nm resolution) from the May–June 2016 Korea–United States Ocean Color (KORUS-OC) oceanographic field campaign are reported. Measurements were made with the custom-built Spectral Aerosol Extinction (SpEx) instrument that previously has been characterized only using laboratory-generated aerosols of known size and composition. Here, the performance of SpEx under realistic operating conditions in the field was assessed by comparison to extinction coefficients derived from commercial instruments that measured scattering and filter-based absorption coefficients at three discrete visible wavelengths. Good agreement was found between these two sets of extinction coefficients with slopes near unity for all three wavelengths within the SpEx measurement error (± 5 Mm−1). The meteorological conditions encountered during the cruise fostered diverse ambient aerosol populations with varying sizes and composition at concentrations spanning 2 orders of magnitude. The sampling inlet had a 50 % size cut of 1.3 µm diameter particles such that the in situ aerosol sampling suite deployed aboard ship measured fine-mode aerosols only. The extensive hyperspectral extinction data set acquired revealed that nearly all measured spectra exhibited curvature in logarithmic space, such that Ångström exponent (α) power law fits could lead to large errors compared to measured values. This problem was particularly acute for α values calculated over only visible wavelengths and then extrapolated to the UV, highlighting the need for measurements in this wavelength range. Second-order polynomial fits to the logarithmically transformed data provided a much better fit to the measured spectra than the linear fits of power laws. Building on previous studies that used total column aerosol optical depth observations to examine the information content of spectral curvature, the relationship between α and the second-order polynomial fit coefficients (a1 and a2) was found to depend on the wavelength range of the spectral measurement such that any given α maps into a line in (a1, a2) coefficient space with a slope of −2LN(λch), where λch is defined as the single wavelength that characterizes the wavelength range of the measured spectrum (i.e., the “characteristic wavelength”). Since the curvature coefficient values depend on λch, it must be taken into account when comparing values from spectra obtained from measurement techniques with different λch. Previously published work has shown that different bimodal size distributions of aerosols can exhibit the same α yet have differing spectral curvature with different (a1, a2). This implies that (a1, a2) contain more information about size distributions than α alone. Aerosol size distributions were not measured during KORUS-OC, and the data reported here were limited to the fine fraction, but the (a1, a2) maps obtained from the SpEx data set are consistent with the expectation that (a1, a2) may contain more information than α – a result that will be explored further with future SpEx and size distribution data sets.

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