Abstract
Abstract. A global vertically resolved aerosol data set covering more than 10 years of observations at more than 20 measurement sites distributed from 63° N to 52° S and 72° W to 124° E has been achieved within the Raman and polarization lidar network PollyNET. This network consists of portable, remote-controlled multiwavelength-polarization-Raman lidars (Polly) for automated and continuous 24/7 observations of clouds and aerosols. PollyNET is an independent, voluntary, and scientific network. All Polly lidars feature a standardized instrument design with different capabilities ranging from single wavelength to multiwavelength systems, and now apply unified calibration, quality control, and data analysis. The observations are processed in near-real time without manual intervention, and are presented online at http://polly.tropos.de/. The paper gives an overview of the observations on four continents and two research vessels obtained with eight Polly systems. The specific aerosol types at these locations (mineral dust, smoke, dust-smoke and other dusty mixtures, urban haze, and volcanic ash) are identified by their Ångström exponent, lidar ratio, and depolarization ratio. The vertical aerosol distribution at the PollyNET locations is discussed on the basis of more than 55 000 automatically retrieved 30 min particle backscatter coefficient profiles at 532 nm as this operating wavelength is available for all Polly lidar systems. A seasonal analysis of measurements at selected sites revealed typical and extraordinary aerosol conditions as well as seasonal differences. These studies show the potential of PollyNET to support the establishment of a global aerosol climatology that covers the entire troposphere.
Highlights
Aerosol particles have been depicted as one important and underdetermined component that affects the Earth’s energy budget
Thanks to continuous efforts in hardware developments and the resulting instrumental automation, a powerful global network of Raman-polarization lidar systems could be established with PollyNET
Permanent as well as temporary sites form a network of Polly instruments which range from single-wavelength Raman lidars to twotelescope multiwavelength-Raman-polarization lidars
Summary
Aerosol particles have been depicted as one important and underdetermined component that affects the Earth’s energy budget. Based on achievements within the development of the Single Calculus Chain of EARLINET (D’Amico et al, 2015), but extended for an autonomous near-real-time analysis of continuous measurements around the globe, an automatic data processing chain for the retrieval of aerosol optical properties has been developed thanks to the advantage of the unified Polly family design. With this processing chain, data from the PollyNET lidars are screened for appropriate weather conditions and profiles of the particle backscatter coefficient (355, 532, and 1064 nm), the particle extinction coefficient (355 and 532 nm), and the particle depolarization ratio (532 nm) are obtained and presented online. At the end of the paper, a conclusion and future plans are given
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