Abstract
Small drones (multi-copters) have the potential to deliver valuable data for atmospheric research. They are especially useful for collecting vertical profiles of optical and microphysical properties of atmospheric aerosols. Miniaturization of sensors, such as aethalometers and particle counters, allows for collecting profiles of black carbon concentration, absorption coefficient, and particle size distribution. Vertical variability of single-scattering properties has a significant impact on radiative transfer and Earth’s climate, but the base of global measurements is very limited. This results in high uncertainties of climate/radiation models. Vertical range of modern multi-copters is up to 2000 m, which is usually enough to study aerosols up to the top of planetary boundary layer on middle latitudes. In this study, we present the benefits coming from usage of small drones in atmospheric research. The experiment, described as a case study, was conducted at two stations (Swider and Warsaw) in Poland, from October 2014 to March 2015. For over 6 months, photoacoustic extinctiometers collected data at both stations. This enabled us to compare the stations and to establish ground reference of black carbon concentrations for vertical profiles collected by ceilometer and drone. At Swider station, we used Vaisala CL-31 ceilometer. It delivered vertical profiles of range corrected signal, which were analysed together with profiles acquired by micro-aethalometer AE-51 and Vaisala RS92-SGP radiosonde carried by a hexacopter drone. Near to the surface, black carbon gradient of approx 400 (upmug/m^3)/100 m was detected, which was below the ceilometer minimal altitude of detection. This confirmed the usefulness of drones and potential of their support for remote sensing techniques.
Highlights
In the last few years, the development of technologies for small unmanned aerial systems made them affordable and easy to use as tools in research
Starting from data analysis, we will focus on vertical profiles of BC collected with the small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) and background results from other instruments
We describe selected vertical profiles of BC concentration measured by sUAS compiled with corresponding profiles from ceilometer and ground results from Photoacoustic Extinctiometers (PAX)
Summary
In the last few years, the development of technologies for small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) made them affordable and easy to use as tools in research. Complex interactions between aerosols and solar radiation, together with very limited measurement options of vertical profiles of aerosols’ optical and microphysical properties, make understanding and modeling Earth’s climate difficult (Bond et al 2013; IPCC 2013; Koch and Del Genio 2010; Myhre and Samset 2015). Apart from aerosols, drones equipped with proper sensors are able to collect information on trace gases (Brady et al 2016). Due to their limited endurance, caused by short-lasting electrical power supply, sUAS serve best in experiments where synergy of ground-based soundings and remote sensing data is used. Profiles delivered by tropospheric lidars tend to overlap, and they cannot be used to detect aerosols in the layers close to the surface
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
