Lidar Station of the St. Petersburg State University. Day Variations of Aerosol, Wind, and Meteorological Parameters in the Atmosphere Above St. Petersburg, Russia

Maxim S, Irina M, Dmitriy S

Abstract

Lidar sounding of atmospheric aerosols in the atmosphere above the big city is used for the air pollution monitoring and constructing optical models of the atmosphere. The four periods during the day are studied. The microphysical properties of aerosol particles are retrieved: vertical profiles of the mean particle size, particle size distribution, real and imagine parts of the refractive index, numerical and volume concentrations. Results of lidar sounding are compared with data of AERONET stations situated near St. Petersburg. Because lidar and AERONET observations are accomplished in clear sky conditions, the nearest dates are chosen for consideration. Optical models for 4 day periods are taken for radiative calculation: reflected and transmitted hemispherical fluxes, radiative divergence, radiative forcings and heating rates are calculated. The day variations of the radiative characteristics are analyzed and transmitted flux is compared with AERONET observations. The vertical profiles of meteorological parameters are taken from radiosounding upperair observation in St. Petersburg suburb Voeikovo and demonstrated in the article. The meteorological parameters impact to the air pollution is considered. Wind characteristics (horizontal and vertical velocity components and direction) are observed with wind lidar and compared with radiosounding upper-air observation. The day variation of aerosols parameters, wind characteristics, and temperature profiles are elucidated. Difference in composition and concentration of aerosols particles is revealed during a day.

Relevant Publications in Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change