scholarly journals Separation of the optical and mass features of particle components in different aerosol mixtures by using POLIPHON retrievals in synergy with continuous polarized Micro-Pulse Lidar (P-MPL) measurements

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 4775-4795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Córdoba-Jabonero ◽  
Michaël Sicard ◽  
Albert Ansmann ◽  
Ana del Águila ◽  
Holger Baars

Abstract. The application of the POLIPHON (POlarization-LIdar PHOtometer Networking) method is presented for the first time in synergy with continuous 24/7 polarized Micro-Pulse Lidar (P-MPL) measurements to derive the vertical separation of two or three particle components in different aerosol mixtures, and the retrieval of their particular optical properties. The procedure of extinction-to-mass conversion, together with an analysis of the mass extinction efficiency (MEE) parameter, is described, and the relative mass contribution of each aerosol component is also derived in a further step. The general POLIPHON algorithm is based on the specific particle linear depolarization ratio given for different types of aerosols and can be run in either 1-step (POL-1) or 2 steps (POL-2) versions with dependence on either the 2- or 3-component separation. In order to illustrate this procedure, aerosol mixing cases observed over Barcelona (NE Spain) are selected: a dust event on 5 July 2016, smoke plumes detected on 23 May 2016 and a pollination episode observed on 23 March 2016. In particular, the 3-component separation is just applied for the dust case: a combined POL-1 with POL-2 procedure (POL-1/2) is used, and additionally the fine-dust contribution to the total fine mode (fine dust plus non-dust aerosols) is estimated. The high dust impact before 12:00 UTC yields a mean mass loading of 0.6±0.1 g m−2 due to the prevalence of Saharan coarse-dust particles. After that time, the mean mass loading is reduced by two-thirds, showing a rather weak dust incidence. In the smoke case, the arrival of fine biomass-burning particles is detected at altitudes as high as 7 km. The smoke particles, probably mixed with less depolarizing non-smoke aerosols, are observed in air masses, having their origin from either North American fires or the Arctic area, as reported by HYSPLIT back-trajectory analysis. The particle linear depolarization ratio for smoke shows values in the 0.10–0.15 range and even higher at given times, and the daily mean smoke mass loading is 0.017±0.008 g m−2, around 3 % of that found for the dust event. Pollen particles are detected up to 1.5 km in height from 10:00 UTC during an intense pollination event with a particle linear depolarization ratio ranging between 0.10 and 0.15. The maximal mass loading of Platanus pollen particles is 0.011±0.003 g m−2, representing around 2 % of the dust loading during the higher dust incidence. Regarding the MEE derived for each aerosol component, their values are in agreement with others referenced in the literature for the specific aerosol types examined in this work: 0.5±0.1 and 1.7±0.2 m2 g−1 are found for coarse and fine dust particles, 4.5±1.4 m2 g−1 is derived for smoke and 2.4±0.5 m2 g−1 for non-smoke aerosols with Arctic origin, and a MEE of 2.4±0.8 m2 g−1 is obtained for pollen particles, though it can reach higher or lower values depending on predominantly smaller or larger pollen grain sizes. Results reveal the high potential of the P-MPL system, a simple polarization-sensitive elastic backscatter lidar working in a 24/7 operation mode, to retrieve the relative optical and mass contributions of each aerosol component throughout the day, reflecting the daily variability of their properties. In fact, this procedure can be simply implemented in other P-MPLs that also operate within the worldwide Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET), thus extending the aerosol discrimination at a global scale. Moreover, the method has the advantage of also being relatively easily applicable to space-borne lidars with an equivalent configuration such as the ongoing Cloud-Aerosol LIdar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) on board NASA CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation) and the forthcoming Atmospheric Lidar (ATLID) on board the ESA EarthCARE mission.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Córdoba-Jabonero ◽  
Michaël Sicard ◽  
Albert Ansmann ◽  
Ana del Águila ◽  
Holger Baars

Abstract. The application of the POLIPHON (POlarization-LIdar PHOtometer Networking) method in synergy with continuous 24/7 polarized Micro-Pulse Lidar (P-MPL) measurements to derive the vertical separation of two/three particle components in different aerosol mixtures, and the retrieval of their particular optical properties, is presented for the first time. The procedure of extinction-to-mass conversion, together with an analysis of the Mass Extinction Efficiency (MEE) parameter, is described, and the relative mass contribution of each aerosol component is also derived in a further step. The general POLIPHON algorithm is based on the specific particle linear depolarization ratio given for different types of aerosols, and can be run in either 1-step (POL-1) or 2 steps (POL-2) versions in dependence on the either 2- or 3-component separation. In order to illustrate this procedure aerosol mixing cases observed over Barcelona (NE Spain) are selected: a dust event occurred on 5 July 2016; smoke plumes detected on 23 May 2016; and a pollination episode observed on 23 March 2016. In particular, the 3-component separation is just applied for the dust case: a combined POL-1 with POL-2 procedure (POL-1/2) is used, and additionally the dust fine contribution to the total fine mode (dust fine plus non-dusty aerosols) is estimated. The high dust impact occurred in the first part of the day yields a mean mass loading of 0.6 ± 0.1 g m−2 due to the prevalence of Saharan dust coarse particles in comparison with that obtained for the second part of the day, just a 34 % out of previous value, showing a rather weak dust incidence. In the smoke case, the arrival of fine biomass burning particles is detected at altitudes as high as 7 km height. The smoke signature, also mixed with larger less depolarizing non-smoke aerosols, is observed along the day in dependence on the singular air masses origin with height, from either North America fires or the Arctic area, as reported by HYSPLIT backtrajectory analysis. The particle linear depolarization ratio for smoke shows values in the 0.10–0.15 range, even higher at given times, and the daily mean smoke mass loading is 0.017 ± 0.008 g m−2, around 3 % out of that found for the dusty event. Pollen particles are detected up to 1.5 km height from 10:00 UTC on during an intense pollination event with a particle linear depolarization ratio ranging between 0.10 and 0.15. The maximal mass loading of Platanus pollen particles is 0.011 ± 0.003 g m−2, representing around 2 % out of the dust loading during the higher dust incidence. Regarding the MEE derived for each aerosol component, their values are in agreement with other referenced in the literature for those specific aerosol types examined in this work: 0.5 ± 0.1 m2 g−1 and 1.7 ± 0.2 m2 g−1 are found for dust coarse and fine particles, respectively; 4.5 ± 1.4 m2 g−1 is derived for smoke, and 2.4 ± 0.5 m2 g−1 for non-smoke aerosols with Arctic origin (a MEE value close to that reported for Arctic aerosols: 2.17 m2 g−1, as supposed larger aerosols than those biomass burning particles); and a MEE of 2.4 ± 0.8 m2 g−1 is obtained for pollen particles, though it can reach higher/lower values depending on a predominant smaller/larger size of the pollen grains. Results reveal the high potential of the P-MPL system, a simple polarization-sensitive elastic backscatter lidar working in a 24/7 operation mode, to retrieve the relative optical and mass contributions of each aerosol component along all the day, reflecting the daily variability of their properties. Moreover, the method has the advantage to be relatively easily applicable also to spaceborne lidars with an equivalent configuration such as the ongoing Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) onboard NASA/CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations), and the forthcoming Atmospheric Lidar (ATLID) onboard ESA/EarthCARE mission.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josef Gasteiger ◽  
Silke Groß ◽  
Bernadett Weinzierl ◽  
Daniel Sauer ◽  
Volker Freudenthaler

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 893-905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina Giannakaki ◽  
Panos Kokkalis ◽  
Eleni Marinou ◽  
Nikolaos S. Bartsotas ◽  
Vassilis Amiridis ◽  
...  

Abstract. A new method, called ElEx (elastic extinction), is proposed for the estimation of extinction coefficient lidar profiles using only the information provided by the elastic and polarization channels of a lidar system. The method is applicable to lidar measurements both during daytime and nighttime under well-defined aerosol mixtures. ElEx uses the particle backscatter profiles at 532 nm and the vertically resolved particle linear depolarization ratio measurements at the same wavelength. The particle linear depolarization ratio and the lidar ratio values of pure aerosol types are also taken from literature. The total extinction profile is then estimated and compared well with Raman retrievals. In this study, ElEx was applied in an aerosol mixture of marine and dust particles at Finokalia station during the CHARADMExp campaign. Any difference between ElEx and Raman extinction profiles indicates that the nondust component could be probably attributed to polluted marine or polluted continental aerosols. Comparison with sun photometer aerosol optical depth observations is performed as well during daytime. Differences in the total aerosol optical depth are varying between 1.2 % and 72 %, and these differences are attributed to the limited ability of the lidar to correctly represent the aerosol optical properties in the near range due to the overlap problem.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 10767-10794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moritz Haarig ◽  
Albert Ansmann ◽  
Dietrich Althausen ◽  
André Klepel ◽  
Silke Groß ◽  
...  

Abstract. Triple-wavelength polarization lidar measurements in Saharan dust layers were performed at Barbados (13.1° N, 59.6° W), 5000–8000 km west of the Saharan dust sources, in the framework of the Saharan Aerosol Long-range Transport and Aerosol-Cloud-Interaction Experiment (SALTRACE-1, June–July 2013, SALTRACE-3, June–July 2014). Three case studies are discussed. High quality was achieved by comparing the dust linear depolarization ratio profiles measured at 355, 532, and 1064 nm with respective dual-wavelength (355, 532 nm) depolarization ratio profiles measured with a reference lidar. A unique case of long-range transported dust over more than 12 000 km is presented. Saharan dust plumes crossing Barbados were measured with an airborne triple-wavelength polarization lidar over Missouri in the midwestern United States 7 days later. Similar dust optical properties and depolarization features were observed over both sites indicating almost unchanged dust properties within this 1 week of travel from the Caribbean to the United States. The main results of the triple-wavelength polarization lidar observations in the Caribbean in the summer seasons of 2013 and 2014 are summarized. On average, the particle linear depolarization ratios for aged Saharan dust were found to be 0.252 ± 0.030 at 355 nm, 0.280 ± 0.020 at 532 nm, and 0.225 ± 0.022 at 1064 nm after approximately 1 week of transport over the tropical Atlantic. Based on published simulation studies we present an attempt to explain the spectral features of the depolarization ratio of irregularly shaped mineral dust particles, and conclude that most of the irregularly shaped coarse-mode dust particles (particles with diameters > 1 µm) have sizes around 1.5–2 µm. The SALTRACE results are also set into the context of the SAMUM-1 (Morocco, 2006) and SAMUM-2 (Cabo Verde, 2008) depolarization ratio studies. Again, only minor changes in the dust depolarization characteristics were observed on the way from the Saharan dust sources towards the Caribbean.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Córdoba-Jabonero ◽  
Albert Ansmann ◽  
Cristofer Jiménez ◽  
Holger Baars ◽  
María-Ángeles López-Cayuela ◽  
...  

Abstract. Simultaneous observations of a polarized Micro-Pulse Lidar (P-MPL) system, currently operative within MPLNET (NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network), with two referenced EARLINET (European Aerosol Research Lidar Network) lidars, running at Leipzig site (Germany, 51.4º N 12.4º E, 125 m a.s.l.), were performed during a comprehensive two-month field campaign in summer 2019. A calibration assessment regarding the overlap (OVP) correction of the P-MPL signal profiles and its impact in the retrieval of the optical properties is achieved, describing also the experimental procedure used. The optimal lidar-specific OVP function for correcting the P-MPL measurements is experimentally determined, highlighting that the OVP function as delivered by the P-MPL manufacturer cannot be used. Among the OVP functions examined, the averaged one between those obtained from the comparison of the P-MPL observations with those of the other two referenced lidars seems to be the best proxy at both near- and far-field ranges. In addition, the impact of the OVP function in the accuracy of the retrieved profiles of the total particle backscatter coefficient (PBC) and the particle linear depolarization ratio (PLDR) is examined. First, the volume linear depolarization ratio (VLDR) profile is obtained and compared to the reference lidars, showing it needs to be corrected by a small offset value within a good accuracy. Once P-MPL measurements are optimally OVP-corrected, the PBC profiles (and hence the PLDR ones) can be derived using the Klett-Fernald approach. In addition, an alternative method based on the separation of the total PBC into their aerosol components is presented in order to estimate the total particle extinction coefficient (PEC) profile, and hence the Aerosol Optical Depth, from elastic P-MPL measurements. A dust event as observed at Leipzig in June 2019 is used for illustration. In overall, an adequate OVP function is needed to be determined in a regular basis to calibrate the P-MPL system in order to derive suitable aerosol products.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina Giannakaki ◽  
Panos Kokkalis ◽  
Eleni Marinou ◽  
Nikolaos S. Bartsotas ◽  
Vassilis Amiridis ◽  
...  

Abstract. In this study we estimate the particle extinction profiles at Finokalia, Crete, using only the information provided by the elastic and polarization channels of a PollyXT lidar system. Most of the time Finokalia site is affected by only two aerosol types, i.e. marine and dust particles. These two aerosol types, having different optical properties, permit the separation of aerosol mixture. The proposed method uses the particle backscatter profiles at 532 nm and the vertically resolved particle linear depolarization ratio measurements at the same wavelength. The particle linear depolarization ratio and the lidar ratio values of pure aerosol types are taken from literature. The total extinction profile is then estimated and compared well with Raman retrievals. Any difference between the proposed methodology and Raman extinction profiles indicates that the non-dust component could be probably attributed to polluted marine or polluted continental aerosols. Comparison with sun-photometric aerosol optical depth observations is performed as well during daytime with reasonable differences between the two instruments. Differences in the total aerosol optical depth is attributed to the limited ability of the lidar to correctly represent the aerosol optical properties in the near range due to overlap problem.


2018 ◽  
Vol 176 ◽  
pp. 05041
Author(s):  
Carmen Córdoba-Jabonero ◽  
Michaël Sicard ◽  
Albert Ansmann ◽  
Ana del Águila ◽  
Holger Baars

POLIPHON (POlarization-LIdar PHOtometer Networking) retrieval consists in the vertical separation of two/three particle components in aerosol mixtures, highlighting their relative contributions in terms of the optical properties and mass concentrations. This method is based on the specific particle linear depolarization ratio given for different types of aerosols, and is applied to the new polarized Micro-Pulse Lidar (P-MPL). Case studies of specific climate-relevant aerosols (dust particles, fire smoke, and pollen aerosols, including a clean case as reference) observed over Barcelona (Spain) are presented in order to evaluate firstly the potential of P-MPLs measurements in combination with POLIPHON for retrieving the vertical separation of those particle components forming aerosol mixtures and their properties.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 5225-5239
Author(s):  
Carmen Córdoba-Jabonero ◽  
Albert Ansmann ◽  
Cristofer Jiménez ◽  
Holger Baars ◽  
María-Ángeles López-Cayuela ◽  
...  

Abstract. Simultaneous observations of a polarized micro-pulse lidar (P-MPL) system and two reference European Aerosol Research Lidar Network lidars running at the Leipzig site Germany, 51.4∘ N, 12.4∘ E; 125 m a.s.l.) were performed during a comprehensive 2-month field intercomparison campaign in summer 2019. An experimental assessment regarding both the overlap (OVP) correction of the P-MPL signal profiles and the volume linear depolarization ratio (VLDR) analysis, together with its impact on the retrieval of the aerosol optical properties, is achieved; the experimental procedure used is also described. The optimal lidar-specific OVP function is experimentally determined, highlighting that the one delivered by the P-MPL manufacturer cannot be used long. Among the OVP functions examined, the averaged function between those obtained from the comparison of the P-MPL observations with those of the other two reference lidars seems to be the best proxy at both near- and far-field ranges. In addition, the impact of the OVP function on the accuracy of the retrieved profiles of the total particle backscatter coefficient (PBC) and the particle linear depolarization ratio (PLDR) is examined. The VLDR profile is obtained and compared with that derived from the reference lidar, showing that it needs to be corrected by a small offset value with good accuracy. Once P-MPL measurements are optimally (OVP, VLDR) corrected, both the PBC and PLDR profiles can be accurately derived and are in good agreement with reference aerosol retrievals. Overall, as a systematic requirement for lidar systems, an adequate OVP function determination and VLDR testing analysis needs to be performed on a regular basis to correct the P-MPL measurements in order to derive suitable aerosol products. A dust event observed in Leipzig in June 2019 is used for illustration.


Author(s):  
Irina Glinyanova ◽  
Valery Azarov ◽  
Valery Fomichev

Fine dust: (PM2.5, PM10) is a priority pollutant that contributes to the development of numerous dis-eases in urban areas. The purpose of this scientific work is to study the dispersed composition of dust parti-cles on the leaves of apricot trees (Prúnus armeníaca) in the residential zone of Volgograd. The novelty of the work lies in the study of the dispersed composition of dust particles on the leaves of apricot trees (Prúnus armeníaca) in the residential zone in the city of Volgograd near the construction industry enterprise, me-chanical engineering, leather production and railway transport line in comparison with the conditionally clean (control) zone of the SNT “Orocenets” ”(Sovetsky District, Volgograd) from the standpoint of random functions expressed by integral distribution curves of the mass of particles over their equivalent diameters. As a result of the research, the dispersed composition of dust on the leaves of apricot trees (Prúnus ar-meníaca) in the residential area of Volgograd was revealed. Fine particles were found: PM2.5, PM10 in each of the studied points, which by their values, both in their number and mass fraction, significantly exceed the data on fine dust in a conditionally clean area (control) in the SNT “Oroshanets” (Sovetsky district Volgo-grad), which creates certain environmental risks for local residents. The dispersed analysis of particles from the standpoint of random functions in the future will allow with a sufficiently high degree of accuracy to pre-dict the dust content of urban atmospheric air in the range of monthly and / or seasonal average values compared to the traditional measurement of fine dust concentration in atmospheric air of the urban environ-ment as the maximum single or daily average. At the same time, further studies of dust on the leaves of plants in an urban environment, namely, the study of the density of its sedimentation, will also reveal a group of ur-ban plants that are best suited to retain PM2.5 and PM10 on leaf plates in this region, which can significantly increase the quality of the atmospheric air of the urban environment and be of a recommendatory nature for the state-owned landscaping services of the city of Volgograd when improving the green areas of a megacity.


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