Abstract
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.
Highlights
Active remote sensing is an excellent tool for vertical monitoring of the atmosphere
Ground-based lidar networks are widely operative within the GAW (Global Atmospheric Watch) Aerosol LIdar Observations Network (GALION); among them, there are those extended at continental scales, such as EARLINET (European AeRosol LIdar NETwork; Pappalardo et al, 2014), which belongs to the Aerosol Cloud and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure (ACTRIS), AD-NET (Asian Dust and aerosol lidar observation network; Sugimoto et al, 2008), and LALINET
The second comparison was related to the MARTHA night-time range-corrected signal (RCS) measurements as averaged for 4 h from July 2019 at 21:00 UT to July 2019 at 00:00 UT; P-micro-pulse lidar (MPL) RCS profiles were averaged during that same period for comparison
Summary
Active remote sensing is an excellent tool for vertical monitoring of the atmosphere. Aerosol lidar systems have demonstrated to be suitable instrumentation for aerosol and cloud profiling in both the troposphere and stratosphere Ground-based lidar networks are widely operative within the GAW (Global Atmospheric Watch) Aerosol LIdar Observations Network (GALION); among them, there are those extended at continental scales, such as EARLINET (European AeRosol LIdar NETwork; Pappalardo et al, 2014), which belongs to the Aerosol Cloud and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure (ACTRIS), AD-NET (Asian Dust and aerosol lidar observation network; Sugimoto et al, 2008), and LALINET There are other aerosol networks like MPLNET (Micro-Pulse Lidar NETwork; Welton et al, 2001) within GAW/GALION and PollyNET (POrtabLe Lidar sYstem NETwork; Baars et al, 2016), operated as a part of EARLINET, whose sites are distributed around the world
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