Multi-sensor comparison of aerosol optical properties profiles observed during a pollution episode in a mega city of the North China Plain

Abstract

A fine aerosol particle pollution episode happened in mega city Beijing during February 25th – March 5th. Aerosol extinction coefficient profiles were observed at 7 L idar s ta ti ons. Different aerosol optical property instruments were used to verify Lidar retrievals. Ground visibility observations were used to verify near ground Lidar observations. High correlation coefficient was found (0.8) between visiometer and Lidar observations. Lidar’s Column integrated aerosol extinction coefficient was also verified by Himawari-8 aerosol optical depth (AOD) data. The correlation coefficient between two AOD retrievals was 0.4. And the mean bias was -0.17. CALIPSO aerosol property profiles was also used to verify Lidar retrievals. Lidar retrievals was inconsistent with CALIPSO in the boundary layer. Overall, the Lidar retrievals are consistent with other optical property sensors. And the retrials could be used for observation research and model validation.