Towards an Algorithm for Near Real Time Profiling of Aerosol Species, Trace Gases, and Clouds Based on the Synergy of Remote Sensing Instruments

Abstract

In this manuscript we present the concept of a novel algorithmic chain that aims to a dataset of unprecedented detail in the vertical distribution of multiple atmospheric components in near real time conditions. The analysis will be based on the following remote sensing instruments: a depolarization Raman lidar, a visible and a thermal all-sky camera, a Brewer spectrophotometer, and up to three mini DOAS/MAX-DOAS systems. Based on both individual and synergistic processing of the data collected, novel products will be made available in near real time conditions to the end users. Columnar aerosol information from the spectrophotometers will be combined with lidar data to retrieve vertical profiles of individual aerosol species. Cloud layers will be detected and classified based mainly on the synergy of the lidar and the sky cameras and a realistic 3D representation of cloud conditions around the measurement site will be produced. Lidar profiles will be implemented as a priori information for radiative transfer purposes, that are necessary in order to obtain high quality trace gases profiles from the DOAS/MAX-DOAS spectrophotometer. Fast synergistic data processing will ensure that the algorithm can be applied for near real time public data dissemination in the future.