scholarly journals On the accuracy of stratospheric aerosol extinction derived from in situ size distribution measurements and surface area density derived from remote SAGE II and HALOE extinction measurements

2015 ◽  
Vol 120 (16) ◽  
pp. 8426-8447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahesh Kovilakam ◽  
Terry Deshler
Keyword(s):  
Size Distribution ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Stratospheric Aerosol ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Area Density

scholarly journals SAGE II measurements of stratospheric aerosol properties at non-volcanic levels

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 983-995 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. W. Thomason ◽  
S. P. Burton ◽  
B.-P. Luo ◽  
T. Peter
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Historical Record ◽  
Stratospheric Aerosol ◽  
The Other ◽  
Processing Algorithm ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Retrieval Process ◽  
Satellite Measurements ◽  
Area Density ◽  
Aerosol Properties

Abstract. Since 2000, stratospheric aerosol levels have been relatively stable and at the lowest levels observed in the historical record. Given the challenges of making satellite measurements of aerosol properties at these levels, we have performed a study of the sensitivity of the product to the major components of the processing algorithm used in the production of SAGE II aerosol extinction measurements and the retrieval process that produces the operational surface area density (SAD) product. We find that the aerosol extinction measurements, particularly at 1020 nm, remain robust and reliable at the observed aerosol levels. On the other hand, during background periods, the SAD operational product has an uncertainty of at least a factor of 2 due to the lack of sensitivity to particles with radii less than 100 nm.

scholarly journals SAGE II measurements of stratospheric aerosol properties at non-volcanic levels

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 6959-6997 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. W. Thomason ◽  
S. P. Burton ◽  
B.-P. Luo ◽  
T. Peter
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Historical Record ◽  
Stratospheric Aerosol ◽  
The Other ◽  
Processing Algorithm ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Retrieval Process ◽  
Satellite Measurements ◽  
Area Density ◽  
Aerosol Properties

Abstract. Since 2000, stratospheric aerosol levels have been relatively stable and at the lowest levels observed in the historical record. Given the challenges of making satellite measurements of aerosol properties at these levels, we have performed a study of the sensitivity of the product to the major components of the processing algorithm used in the production of SAGE II aerosol extinction measurements and the retrieval process that produces the operational surface area density (SAD) product. We find that the aerosol extinction measurements, particularly at 1020 nm, remain robust and reliable at the observed aerosol levels. On the other hand, background periods, the SAD operational product has an uncertainty of at least a factor of 2 due to the lack of sensitivity to particles with radii less than 100 nm.

scholarly journals Evidence for the predictability of changes in the stratospheric aerosol size following volcanic eruptions of diverse magnitudes using space-based instruments

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry W. Thomason ◽  
Mahesh Kovilakam ◽  
Anja Schmidt ◽  
Christian von Savigny ◽  
Travis Knepp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Size Distribution ◽  
Extinction Coefficient ◽  
Volcanic Eruptions ◽  
Stratospheric Aerosol ◽  
Global Climate Models ◽  
Aerosol Size Distribution ◽  
Aerosol Layer ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Volcanic Event ◽  
Aerosol Extinction Coefficient

Abstract. An analysis of multiwavelength stratospheric aerosol extinction coefficient data from the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment II and III/ISS instruments is used to demonstrate a coherent relationship between the perturbation in extinction coefficient in an eruption's main aerosol layer and an apparent change in aerosol size distribution that spans multiple orders of magnitude in the stratospheric impact of a volcanic event. The relationship is measurement-based and does not rely on assumptions about the aerosol size distribution. We note limitations on this analysis including that the presence of significant amounts of ash in the main aerosol layer may significantly modulate these results. Despite this limitation, these findings represent a unique opportunity to verify the performance of interactive aerosol models used in Global Climate Models and Earth System Model and may suggest an avenue for improving aerosol extinction coefficient measurements from single channel observations such the Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imager System as they rely on a priori assumptions about particle size.

scholarly journals Optimal estimation retrieval of aerosol microphysical properties from SAGE~II satellite observations in the volcanically unperturbed lower stratosphere

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 4295-4317 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Wurl ◽  
R. G. Grainger ◽  
A. J. McDonald ◽  
T. Deshler
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Lower Stratosphere ◽  
Optimal Estimation ◽  
Retrieval Algorithm ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Extinction Data ◽  
Aerosol Properties ◽  
Area And Volume

Abstract. Stratospheric aerosol particles under non-volcanic conditions are typically smaller than 0.1 μm. Due to fundamental limitations of the scattering theory in the Rayleigh limit, these tiny particles are hard to measure by satellite instruments. As a consequence, current estimates of global aerosol properties retrieved from spectral aerosol extinction measurements tend to be strongly biased. Aerosol surface area densities, for instance, are observed to be about 40% smaller than those derived from correlative in situ measurements (Deshler et al., 2003). An accurate knowledge of the global distribution of aerosol properties is, however, essential to better understand and quantify the role they play in atmospheric chemistry, dynamics, radiation and climate. To address this need a new retrieval algorithm was developed, which employs a nonlinear Optimal Estimation (OE) method to iteratively solve for the monomodal size distribution parameters which are statistically most consistent with both the satellite-measured multi-wavelength aerosol extinction data and a priori information. By thus combining spectral extinction measurements (at visible to near infrared wavelengths) with prior knowledge of aerosol properties at background level, even the smallest particles are taken into account which are practically invisible to optical remote sensing instruments. The performance of the OE retrieval algorithm was assessed based on synthetic spectral extinction data generated from both monomodal and small-mode-dominant bimodal sulphuric acid aerosol size distributions. For monomodal background aerosol, the new algorithm was shown to fairly accurately retrieve the particle sizes and associated integrated properties (surface area and volume densities), even in the presence of large extinction uncertainty. The associated retrieved uncertainties are a good estimate of the true errors. In the case of bimodal background aerosol, where the retrieved (monomodal) size distributions naturally differ from the correct bimodal values, the associated surface area (A) and volume densities (V) are, nevertheless, fairly accurately retrieved, except at values larger than 1.0 μm2 cm−3 (A) and 0.05 μm3 cm−3 (V), where they tend to underestimate the true bimodal values. Due to the limited information content in the SAGE II spectral extinction measurements this kind of forward model error cannot be avoided here. Nevertheless, the retrieved uncertainties are a good estimate of the true errors in the retrieved integrated properties, except where the surface area density exceeds the 1.0 μm2 cm−3 threshold. When applied to near-global SAGE II satellite extinction measured in 1999 the retrieved OE surface area and volume densities are observed to be larger by, respectively, 20–50% and 10–40% compared to those estimates obtained by the SAGE~II operational retrieval algorithm. An examination of the OE algorithm biases with in situ data indicates that the new OE aerosol property estimates tend to be more realistic than previous estimates obtained from remotely sensed data through other retrieval techniques. Based on the results of this study we therefore suggest that the new Optimal Estimation retrieval algorithm is able to contribute to an advancement in aerosol research by considerably improving current estimates of aerosol properties in the lower stratosphere under low aerosol loading conditions.

scholarly journals The Spectral Aerosol Extinction Monitoring System (SǼMS): setup, observational products, and comparisons

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 701-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Skupin ◽  
A. Ansmann ◽  
R. Engelmann ◽  
H. Baars ◽  
T. Müller
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Extinction Coefficients ◽  
Spectrally Resolved ◽  
Automated Instrument ◽  
Statistical Results

Abstract. The Spectral Aerosol Extinction Monitoring System (SǼMS) is presented that allows us to continuously measure the spectral extinction coefficient of atmospheric aerosol particles along an approximately 2.7 km long optical path at 30–50 m height above ground in Leipzig (51.3° N, 12.4° E), Germany. The fully automated instrument measures the ambient aerosol extinction coefficients from 300 to 1000 nm. The main goal of SǼMS observations are long-term studies of the relationship between particle extinction and relative humidity from below 40% to almost 100%. The setup is presented and observations (a case study and statistical results for 2009) are discussed in terms of time series of 550 nm particle optical depth, Ångström exponent, and particle size distribution retrieved from the spectrally resolved extinction. The SǼMS measurements are compared with simultaneously performed EARLINET (European Aerosol Research Lidar Network) lidar, AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) sun photometer, and in situ aerosol observations of particle size distribution and related extinction coefficients on the roof of our institute. Consistency between the different measurements is found, which corroborates the quality of the SǼMS observations. Statistical results of a period of 1 yr (2009) show mode extinction values of 0.09 km−1 (SǼMS), 0.075 km−1 (AERONET), and 0.03 km−1 (in situ). Ångström exponents for this period are 0.19 (390–880 nm, SǼMS) and 1.55 (440–870 nm, AERONET).

scholarly journals Stratospheric aerosol particle size information in Odin-OSIRIS limb scatter spectra

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 5065-5099
Author(s):  
L. A. Rieger ◽  
A. E. Bourassa ◽  
D. A. Degenstein
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Stratospheric Aerosol ◽  
Retrieval Algorithm ◽  
Aerosol Layer ◽  
Aerosol Extinction ◽  
Model Calculations ◽  
Size Information

Abstract. The Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imaging System (OSIRIS) on-board the Odin satellite has now taken over a decade of limb scatter measurements that have been used to retrieve the Version 5 stratospheric aerosol extinction product. This product is retrieved using a representative particle size distribution to calculate scattering cross sections and scattering phase functions for the forward model calculations. In this work the information content of OSIRIS measurements with respect to stratospheric aerosol is systematically examined for the purpose of retrieving particle size information along with the extinction coefficient. The benefit of using measurements at different wavelengths and scattering angles in the retrieval is studied and it is found that incorporation of the 1530 nm radiance measurement is key for a robust retrieval of particle size information. It is also found that using OSIRIS measurements at different solar geometries simultaneously provides little additional benefit. Based on these results, an improved aerosol retrieval algorithm is developed that couples the retrieval of aerosol extinction and mode radius of a log-normal particle size distribution. Comparison of these results with coincident measurements from SAGE III show agreement in retrieved extinction to within approximately 10% over the bulk of the aerosol layer, which is comparable to Version 5. The retrieved particle size, when converted to Ångström coefficient, shows good qualitative agreement with SAGE II measurements made at somewhat shorter wavelengths.

scholarly journals In-Situ Pore Structure Analysis During Aging and Drying of Gels

1990 ◽  
Vol 180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas M. Smith ◽  
Pamela J. Davis ◽  
C. Jeffrey Brinker
Keyword(s):  
Pore Structure ◽  
Pore Size Distribution ◽  
Pore Size ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Pore Fluid ◽  
Structure Evolution ◽  
High Ph ◽  
Drying Rates

ABSTRACTThe use of NMR relaxation measurements for the in-situ study of pore structure evolution during gel aging and drying is illustrated. The change in the pore size distribution and surface area of both wet and dried gels is examined as a function of aging conditions including temporal aging, thermal aging, changing pH, and changing pore fluid. The effect of pore fluid pH on dissolution/reprecipitation in ordered packings of monodisperse silica spheres is also examined as a model system for particulate gels. As expected, the pore size distribution narrows with increasing time of treatment in high pH pore fluids. Interpretation of high pH results for the wet state is complicated by a microporous layer which forms on colloidal silica resulting in significantly larger wet surface area as compared to the final dried material. Narrowing of the pore size distribution, which is of interest for maximizing drying rates, is maximized in the least time by using either high pH or repeated ethanol washes for the base-catalyzed gel (B2) used.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document