Abstract
Abstract. The depolarization ratio is a valuable parameter for lidar-based aerosol categorization. Usually, the aerosol particle depolarization ratio is determined at relatively short wavelengths of 355 nm and/or 532 nm, but some multi-wavelength studies including longer wavelengths indicate strong spectral dependency. Here, we investigate the capabilities of Halo Photonics StreamLine Doppler lidars to retrieve the particle linear depolarization ratio at the 1565 nm wavelength. We utilize collocated measurements with another lidar system, PollyXT at Limassol, Cyprus, and at Kuopio, Finland, to compare the depolarization ratio observed by the two systems. For mineral-dust-dominated cases we find typically a slightly lower depolarization ratio at 1565 nm than at 355 and 532 nm. However, for dust mixed with other aerosol we find a higher depolarization ratio at 1565 nm. For polluted marine aerosol we find a marginally lower depolarization ratio at 1565 nm compared to 355 and 532 nm. For mixed spruce and birch pollen we find a slightly higher depolarization ratio at 1565 nm compared to 532 nm. Overall, we conclude that Halo Doppler lidars can provide a particle linear depolarization ratio at the 1565 nm wavelength at least in the lowest 2–3 km above ground.
Highlights
Aerosols and their interactions with clouds remain the largest source of uncertainty in the Earth’s radiative budget (IPCC, 2013)
In this study we have for the first time determined aerosol particle depolarization ratios at a wavelength of 1565 nm
From an instrumental point of view, the Halo Doppler lidar depolarization ratio seems to be of comparable quality to the PollyXT depolarization ratio when the aerosol signal is strong
Summary
Aerosols and their interactions with clouds remain the largest source of uncertainty in the Earth’s radiative budget (IPCC, 2013). Remote sensing measurements with lidars enable continuous long-term observations of the vertical distribution of aerosol particles and clouds in the atmosphere, providing valuable information for improving our understanding of the global climate system Baars et al, 2017; Papagiannopoulos et al, 2018). Burton et al, 2012; Baars et al, 2017). The depolarization ratio can be used to quantify the contributions of different aerosol types to elevated layers (Mamouri and Ansmann, 2017).
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