Retrieval and analysis of aerosol optical characteristics in Hubei Province, China, based on CALIPSO

Abstract

The aerosol optical characteristics in Hubei Province, China, derived from Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO), are investigated. Through this spaceborne lidar, some limitations of airborne and ground-based systems can be overcome and a global survey of clouds and aerosol can be provided. First, a lidar ratio selection algorithm is introduced. Since the lidar ratio (the aerosol extinction-to-backscatter ratio, S a) is an important parameter used in aerosol retrieval, it is required for a reliable aerosol model. After retrieving the original signal, aerosol optical parameters are obtained. Based on these steps, the impacts of atmospheric motion on aerosol diffusion in different layers, the distribution of these aerosols, as well as their time-changing characteristic in Hubei Province are discussed. The studies show that in areas of plains aerosols are easily influenced by wind; furthermore, aerosol distribution in the western Hubei Province is usually influenced by biomass burning and in eastern Hubei by industrial emission. Although errors still exist, the aerosol optical characteristics in different regions are strongly related to the ground surface, wind direction and visible distinctions exist in urban and country areas.