Summary of research paper submitted* to Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics titled: Optical and microphysical characterization of aerosol layers over South Africa by means of multi-wavelength polarization Raman lidar measurements

Abstract

Optical and microphysical properties of different aerosol types over South Africa were measured with a multi-wavelength polarization Raman lidar at Elandsfontein in the Highveld region of South Africa for one year. The observations were performed within the framework of the EUCAARI (European Integrated project on Aerosol, Cloud, Climate, and Air Quality Interactions) campaign of which the aim was to characterize particles in terms of physical, optical and chemical aerosol properties in order to reduce the uncertainty associated with aerosol with 50%. Since limited long-term data of this nature exists for this region, this study could significantly assist in bridging existing gaps relating to aerosol properties over South Africa.