An overview of the first decade of PollyNET: an emerging network of automated Raman-polarization lidars for continuous aerosol profiling
Date
2016Author
Baars, Holger
Van Zyl, Pieter Gideon
Beukes, Johan Paul
Kanitz, Thomas
Engelmann, Ronny
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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
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.
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10394/18871https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-5111-2016
https://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/16/5111/2016/