scholarly journals Measurement report: Balloon-borne in-situ profiling of Saharan dust over Cyprus with the UCASS optical particle counter

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Kezoudi ◽  
Matthias Tesche ◽  
Helen Smith ◽  
Alexandra Tsekeri ◽  
Holger Baars ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Extinction Coefficient ◽  
Particle Number ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Particle Counter ◽  
Diameter Range ◽  
Optical Particle Counter ◽  
Total Particle

Abstract. This paper presents measurements of mineral dust concentration in the diameter range from 0.4 to 14.0 μm with a novel balloon-borne optical particle counter, the Universal Cloud and Aerosol Sounding System (UCASS). The balloon launches were coordinated with ground-based active and passive remote-sensing observations and airborne in-situ measurements with a research aircraft during a Saharan dust outbreak over Cyprus from 20 to 23 April 2017. The aerosol optical depth at 500 nm reached values up to 0.5 during that event over Cyprus and particle number concentrations were as high as 50 cm−3 for the diameter range between 0.8 and 13.9 μm. Comparisons of the total particle number concentration and the particle size distribution from two cases of balloon-borne measurements with aircraft observations show reasonable agreement in magnitude and shape despite slight mismatches in time and space. While column-integrated size distributions from balloon-borne measurements and ground-based remote sensing show similar coarse-mode peak concentrations and diameters, they illustrate the ambiguity related to the missing vertical information in passive sun photometer observations. Extinction coefficient inferred from the balloon-borne measurements agrees with those derived from coinciding Raman lidar observations at height levels with particle number concentrations smaller than 10 cm−3 for the diameter range from 0.8 to 13.9 μm. An overestimation of the extinction coefficient of a factor of two was found for layers with particle number concentrations that exceed 25 cm−3. This is likely the result of a variation in the refractive index, the shape- and size-dependency of the extinction efficiency of dust particles along the UCASS measurements.

scholarly journals Vertical profiles of aerosol mass concentration derived by unmanned airborne in situ and remote sensing instruments during dust events

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 2897-2910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitra Mamali ◽  
Eleni Marinou ◽  
Jean Sciare ◽  
Michael Pikridas ◽  
Panagiotis Kokkalis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Mass Concentration ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
In Situ Measurements ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Vertical Profiles ◽  
Aerosol Mass ◽  
Aerosol Mass Concentration

Abstract. In situ measurements using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remote sensing observations can independently provide dense vertically resolved measurements of atmospheric aerosols, information which is strongly required in climate models. In both cases, inverting the recorded signals to useful information requires assumptions and constraints, and this can make the comparison of the results difficult. Here we compare, for the first time, vertical profiles of the aerosol mass concentration derived from light detection and ranging (lidar) observations and in situ measurements using an optical particle counter on board a UAV during moderate and weak Saharan dust episodes. Agreement between the two measurement methods was within experimental uncertainty for the coarse mode (i.e. particles having radii >0.5 µm), where the properties of dust particles can be assumed with good accuracy. This result proves that the two techniques can be used interchangeably for determining the vertical profiles of aerosol concentrations, bringing them a step closer towards their systematic exploitation in climate models.

scholarly journals Estimation of dust related ice nucleating particles in the atmosphere: Comparison of profiling and in-situ measurements

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 ◽  
pp. 04002
Author(s):  
Moritz Haarig ◽  
Albert Ansmann ◽  
Adrian Walser ◽  
Holger Baars ◽  
Claudia Urbanneck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Number ◽  
Ice Nucleation ◽  
Asian Dust ◽  
In Situ Measurements ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Vertical Profiles ◽  
Dust Layer ◽  
Lidar Measurements

Vertical profiles of number concentrations of dust particles relevant for ice nucleation in clouds are derived from lidar measurements. The results are compared to coincidental airborne in-situ measurements of particle number and surface area concentrations in the dust layer. The observations were performed in long- range transported Saharan dust at Barbados and Asian dust at Cyprus. The Asian dust data analysis is ongoing. A comparison of Asian and Saharan dust will be given at the conference. Concentrations of ice nucleating particles in the order of 10 to 1000 per cm-3 in the dust layer are derived for a temperature of -25°C at Barbados. The method can be used to continuously monitor the concentration of ice nucleating dust particles vertically resolved from lidar measurements.

scholarly journals “MicroMED” Optical Particle Counter: From Design to Flight Model

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 611
Author(s):  
Diego Scaccabarozzi ◽  
Bortolino Saggin ◽  
Riccardo Somaschini ◽  
Marianna Magni ◽  
Pietro Valnegri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Measured Intensity ◽  
Particle Counter ◽  
Airborne Dust ◽  
Thermal Environments ◽  
Optical Particle Counter ◽  
Flight Model

MicroMED (Micro Martian Environmental Dust Systematic Analyzer (MEDUSA)) instrument was selected for the ExoMars 2020 mission to study the airborne dust on the red planet through in situ measurements of the size distribution and concentration. This characterization has never been done before and would have a strong impact on the understanding of Martian climate and Aeolian processes on Mars. The MicroMED is an optical particle counter that exploits the measured intensity of light scattered by dust particles when crossing a collimated laser beam. The measurement technique is well established for laboratory and ground applications but in order to be mounted on the Dust Suite payload within the framework of ExoMars 2020 mission, the instrument must be compatible with harsh mechanical and thermal environments and the tight mass budget of the mission payload. This work summarizes the thermo-mechanical design of the instrument, the manufacturing of the flight model and its successful qualification in expected thermal and mechanical environments.

scholarly journals Vertical profiles of aerosol mass concentrations observed during dust events by unmanned airborne in-situ and remote sensing instruments

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitra Mamali ◽  
Eleni Marinou ◽  
Jean Sciare ◽  
Michael Pikridas ◽  
Panagiotis Kokkalis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Atmospheric Aerosols ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
In Situ Measurements ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Vertical Profiles ◽  
Aerosol Mass ◽  
Aerosol Mass Concentration

Abstract. In-situ measurements using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and remote sensing observations can independently provide dense vertically-resolved measurements of atmospheric aerosols; information which is highly required in climate models. In both cases, inverting the recorded signals to useful information requires assumptions and constraints, and this can make the comparison of the results difficult. Here we compare, for the first time, vertical profiles of the aerosol mass concentration derived from Light Detection And Ranging (lidar) observations and in-situ measurements using an Optical Particle Counter (OPC) onboard a UAV during moderate and weak Saharan dust episodes. Agreement between the two measurement methods was within experimental uncertainty for the coarse-mode (i.e., particles having radii > 0.5 μm) where the properties of dust particles can be assumed with good accuracy. This result proves that the two techniques can be used interchangeably for determining the vertical profiles of the aerosol concentrations, bringing them a step closer towards their systematic exploitation in climate models.

scholarly journals Particle settling and vertical mixing in the Saharan Air Layer as seen from an integrated model, lidar, and in situ perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 297-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josef Gasteiger ◽  
Silke Groß ◽  
Daniel Sauer ◽  
Moritz Haarig ◽  
Albert Ansmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Mixing ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Particle Settling ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Particle Counter ◽  
Saharan Air Layer ◽  
Lidar Measurements ◽  
Ground Based Lidar

Abstract. Long-range transport of aerosol in the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) across the Atlantic plays an important role for weather, climate, and ocean fertilization. However, processes occurring within the SAL and their effects on aerosol properties are still unclear. In this work we study particle settling and vertical mixing within the SAL based on measured and modeled vertical aerosol profiles in the upper 1 km of the transported SAL. We use ground-based lidar measurements and airborne particle counter measurements over the western Atlantic, collected during the SALTRACE campaign, as well as space-based CALIOP lidar measurements from Africa to the western Atlantic in the summer season. In our model we take account of the optical properties and the Stokes gravitational settling of irregularly shaped Saharan dust particles.We test two hypotheses about the occurrence of vertical mixing within the SAL over the Atlantic to explain the aerosol profiles observed by the lidars and the particle counter. Our first hypothesis (H1) assumes that no mixing occurs in the SAL leading to a settling-induced separation of particle sizes. The second hypothesis (H2) assumes that vertical mixing occurs in the SAL allowing large super-micron dust particles to stay airborne longer than without mixing. The uncertainties of the particle linear depolarization ratio (δl) profiles measured by the ground-based lidars are comparable to the modeled differences between H1 and H2 and do not allow us to conclude which hypothesis fits better. The SALTRACE in situ data on size-resolved particle number concentrations show a presence of large particles near the SAL top that is inconsistent with H1. The analysis of the CALIOP measurements also reveals that the average δl profile over the western Atlantic is inconsistent with H1. Furthermore, it was found that the average δl profile in the upper 1 km of the SAL does not change along its transport path over the Atlantic. These findings give evidence that vertical mixing within the SAL is a common phenomenon with significant consequences for the evolution of the size distribution of super-micron dust particles during transport over the Atlantic. Further research is needed to precisely characterize the processes that are relevant for this phenomenon.

scholarly journals Particle settling and convective mixing in the Saharan Air Layer as seen from an integrated model, lidar, and in-situ perspective

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josef Gasteiger ◽  
Silke Groß ◽  
Bernadett Weinzierl ◽  
Daniel Sauer ◽  
Volker Freudenthaler
Keyword(s):  
Dust Particles ◽  
Depolarization Ratio ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Particle Counter ◽  
Convective Mixing ◽  
Saharan Air Layer ◽  
Lidar Measurements ◽  
Linear Depolarization Ratio ◽  
Aerosol Properties

Abstract. Long-range transport of aerosol in the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) across the Atlantic plays an important role for weather, climate, and ocean fertilization. However, processes occurring within the SAL and their effects on aerosol properties are still unclear. In this work we study particle settling and convective mixing within the SAL based on measured and modeled vertical aerosol profiles in the upper 1 km of the transported SAL. We use ground-based POLIS lidar measurements and airborne particle counter measurements over the Western Atlantic, as well as space-based CALIOP lidar measurements from Africa to the Western Atlantic. In our model we take account of the optical properties and the Stokes gravitational settling of irregularly-shaped Saharan dust particles. We test two hypotheses about the occurrence of convective mixing within the SAL over the Atlantic to explain the aerosol properties observed by the lidars and the particle counter. Our first hypothesis (H1) assumes that no mixing occurs in the SAL leading to an altitude separation of super-micron dust particles as a result of settling. The second hypothesis (H2) assumes that convective mixing occurs in the SAL during the day allowing large super-micron dust particles to stay airborne longer than without convective mixing. In general, a decrease of the particle linear depolarization ratio towards the SAL top is found in the measured lidar data but the decrease is much weaker than modeled in case of H1. The in-situ data on particle number concentrations show a presence of large particles near the SAL top that is inconsistent with H1. Furthermore, the analysis of the CALIOP measurements reveals that the average vertical profile of the linear depolarization ratio of the aerosols in the upper 1 km of the SAL does not change along its transport path over the Atlantic. These findings indicate H2 to be much more likely than H1, giving evidence that convective mixing occurs within the SAL over the Atlantic with significant consequences for the evolution of the size distribution of the super-micron dust particles during transport.

scholarly journals Physical and optical properties of atmospheric aerosol by in-situ and radiometric measurements

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 25565-25597
Author(s):  
M. Calvello ◽  
F. Esposito ◽  
G. Pavese ◽  
C. Serio
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Atmospheric Aerosols ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Rural Site ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Anthropogenic Aerosols ◽  
Anthropogenic Aerosol ◽  
Observation Methods

Abstract. Physical and optical properties of atmospheric aerosols collected by using a high resolution (1.5 nm) spectroradiometer (spectral range 400–800 nm), a 13 stages Dekati Low Pressure Impactor (size range 30 nm–10 μm), and an AE31 Aethalometer (7 wavelenghts from 370 nm to 950 nm), have been examined in a semi-rural site in Southwest Italy (Tito Scalo, 40°35´ N, 15°41´ E, 750 m a.s.l.). In particular, daily averaged values of AOD and Ångström turbidity parameters from radiometric data together with mass-size distributions from impactor data and Black Carbon (BC) concentrations have been analyzed from May to October 2008. Furthermore, by inverting direct solar radiances, aerosol columnar number and volume size distributions have been obtained for the same period. Comparison of different observation methods, allowed to verify if, and in what conditions, changes in aerosol properties measured at ground are representative of columnar properties variations. Agreement between columnar and in-situ measurements has been obtained in case of anthropogenic aerosol loading, while in case of Saharan dust intrusions some discrepancies have been found when dust particles were located at high layers in the atmosphere (4–8 km) thus affecting columnar properties more than surface ones. For anthropogenic aerosols, a good correlation has been confirmed through the comparison of fine aerosol fraction contribution as measured by radiometer, impactor and aethalometer, suggesting that in this case particles are more homogeneously distributed over the lower layers of atmosphere and columnar aerosol optical properties are dominated by surface measured component.

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