Aerosol Vertical Profiling Utilizing the Synergy of Lidar, Sunphotometry and In-Situ Measurements in the Framework of the ACTRIS-2 Campaign in Athens

Abstract

The importance of studying the aerosol vertical distribution is prominent in regional and climate studies. Aerosol profiling can contribute to the estimation of the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN) concentrations, thus reducing the uncertainty in describing aerosol/cloud interactions. Aerosol absorption profiling contributes in defining the thermodynamic stability of the atmosphere while single scattering albedo profiling is crucial for radiative transfer calculations and climate modelling. The new Generalized Aerosol Retrieval from Radiometer and Lidar Combined data algorithm (GARRLiC) provides the opportunity to derive vertical profiles of aerosol microphysical properties combining active and passive ground-based remote sensing from lidar and sunphotometer measurements. GARRLiC has been developed in the frame of Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research InfraStructure Network (ACTRIS) to utilize the capabilities of combined European stations of the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) and the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET). Here, we utilize GARRLiC with measurements acquired during the Athens ACTRIS-2 campaign held during the winter months on 2016. The campaign focuses on the characterization of the alterations of the man-made aerosol pollution in the urban environment of Athens due to the economic crisis. Along with the remote sensing techniques, in situ measurements are performed providing absorption coefficients employing a micro-Aethalometer on board an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). This detailed information is compared with GARRLiC profile products for an effective characterization of the aerosol properties along the atmospheric column.