Aerosol optical properties over the Svalbard region of Arctic: ground-based measurements and satellite remote sensing

Mukunda M. Gogoi; S. Suresh Babu

doi:10.1117/12.2224081

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5 May 2016 Aerosol optical properties over the Svalbard region of Arctic: ground-based measurements and satellite remote sensing

Mukunda M. Gogoi, S. Suresh Babu

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Proceedings Volume 9876, Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere, Clouds, and Precipitation VI; 98761C (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2224081
Event: SPIE Asia-Pacific Remote Sensing, 2016, New Delhi, India

Abstract

In view of the increasing anthropogenic presence and influence of aerosols in the northern polar regions, long-term continuous measurements of aerosol optical parameters have been investigated over the Svalbard region of Norwegian Arctic (Ny-Ålesund, 79°N, 12°E, 8 m ASL). This study has shown a consistent enhancement in the aerosol scattering and absorption coefficients during spring. The relative dominance of absorbing aerosols is more near the surface (lower single scattering albedo), compared to that at the higher altitude. This is indicative of the presence of local anthropogenic activities. In addition, long-range transported biomass burning aerosols (inferred from the spectral variation of absorption coefficient) also contribute significantly to the higher aerosol absorption in the Arctic spring. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) estimates from ground based Microtop sun-photometer measurements reveals that the columnar abundance of aerosols reaches the peak during spring season. Comparison of AODs between ground based and satellite remote sensing indicates that deep blue algorithm of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) retrievals over Arctic snow surfaces overestimate the columnar AOD.

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Mukunda M. Gogoi and S. Suresh Babu "Aerosol optical properties over the Svalbard region of Arctic: ground-based measurements and satellite remote sensing", Proc. SPIE 9876, Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere, Clouds, and Precipitation VI, 98761C (5 May 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2224081

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