An overview of the first decade of PollyNET: an emerging network of automated Raman-polarization lidars for continuous aerosol profiling
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 25 April 2016
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Copernicus GmbH in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
- Vol. 16 (8), 5111-5137
- https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-5111-2016
Abstract
A global vertically resolved aerosol data set covering more than 10 years of observations at more than 20 measurement sites distributed from 63° N to 52° S and 72° W to 124° E has been achieved within the Raman and polarization lidar network PollyNET. This network consists of portable, remote-controlled multiwavelength-polarization-Raman lidars (Polly) for automated and continuous 24/7 observations of clouds and aerosols. PollyNET is an independent, voluntary, and scientific network. All Polly lidars feature a standardized instrument design with different capabilities ranging from single wavelength to multiwavelength systems, and now apply unified calibration, quality control, and data analysis. The observations are processed in near-real time without manual intervention, and are presented online at http://polly.tropos.de/. The paper gives an overview of the observations on four continents and two research vessels obtained with eight Polly systems. The specific aerosol types at these locations (mineral dust, smoke, dust-smoke and other dusty mixtures, urban haze, and volcanic ash) are identified by their Ångström exponent, lidar ratio, and depolarization ratio. The vertical aerosol distribution at the PollyNET locations is discussed on the basis of more than 55 000 automatically retrieved 30 min particle backscatter coefficient profiles at 532 nm as this operating wavelength is available for all Polly lidar systems. A seasonal analysis of measurements at selected sites revealed typical and extraordinary aerosol conditions as well as seasonal differences. These studies show the potential of PollyNET to support the establishment of a global aerosol climatology that covers the entire troposphere.This publication has 81 references indexed in Scilit:
- Further evidence for significant smoke transport from Africa to AmazoniaGeophysical Research Letters, 2011
- Contrasting the impact of aerosols at northern and southern midlatitudes on heterogeneous ice formationGeophysical Research Letters, 2011
- General overview: European Integrated project on Aerosol Cloud Climate and Air Quality interactions (EUCAARI) – integrating aerosol research from nano to global scalesPublished by Copernicus GmbH ,2011
- Dust and smoke transport from Africa to South America: Lidar profiling over Cape Verde and the Amazon rainforestGeophysical Research Letters, 2009
- Regional dust model performance during SAMUM 2006Geophysical Research Letters, 2009
- Retrieval of microphysical properties of aerosol particles from one-wavelength Raman lidar and multiwavelength Sun photometer observationsAtmospheric Environment, 2008
- Particle backscatter, extinction, and lidar ratio profiling with Raman lidar in south and north ChinaApplied Optics, 2007
- Strong particle light absorption over the Pearl River Delta (south China) and Beijing (north China) determined from combined Raman lidar and Sun photometer observationsGeophysical Research Letters, 2006
- Air mass modification over Europe: EARLINET aerosol observations from Wales to BelarusPublished by American Geophysical Union (AGU) ,2004
- Aerosol lidar intercomparison in the framework of the EARLINET project 3 Raman lidar algorithm for aerosol extinction, backscatter, and lidar ratioApplied Optics, 2004