CAECENET: An automatic system processing photometer and ceilometer data from different networks to provide columnar...

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Environmental Monitoring
• Remote Sensing

Background:

• Accurate monitoring of columnar and vertically-resolved aerosol properties is crucial for understanding atmospheric processes and air quality.
• Existing methods often lack the integration of multiple data sources for comprehensive aerosol characterization.
• The Iberian Peninsula is susceptible to long-range transport of aerosols from various sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce CAECENET, a novel system for automated retrieval of aerosol properties.
• To demonstrate the system's capability for continuous, near-real-time monitoring of aerosol vertical and columnar characteristics.
• To evaluate CAECENET's potential in analyzing regional-scale transported aerosol events.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of the GRASP (Generalized Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties) algorithm, termed GRASPpac.
• Assimilation of sun-sky photometer data from the CÆLIS database and ceilometer data from the ICENET database (Iberian Ceilometer Network).
• Utilizing a network of CAECENET stations distributed across the Iberian Peninsula.

Main Results:

• CAECENET enables continuous monitoring of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and volume concentrations.
• The system effectively analyzed a Saharan dust outbreak (October 2022) and Canadian wildfire smoke transport (June 2023).
• Analysis revealed changes in aerosol event height, propagation speed, concentration, and optical properties.

Conclusions:

• CAECENET is a valuable tool for near-real-time monitoring and analysis of aerosol properties.
• The system demonstrates significant utility in studying regional-scale transported aerosol events.
• Integrated use of photometer and ceilometer data enhances aerosol characterization and event analysis.