Lidar Measurements Describe Distribution of Airborne Particulate Matter
Document ID: 148
Li, Guangkun
Chadha, Ginnipal S.
Philbrick, C. Russell
The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Electrical Engineering, University Park, PA, U.S.A.
Abstract
Characterization of airborne particulate matter has been a major challenge to researchers involved in the field of atmospheric sciences. The variation of optical extinction associated with aerosols with respect to atmospheric conditions is useful in understanding the evolution of pollution events. Several cases of extinction measurements from the NARSTO-NE-OPS program in Philadelphia during summer 1998 and 1999 have been analyzed and compared with other measurements. Measurements were taken using the Lidar Atmospheric Profile Sensor (LAPS), which was developed at Penn State University as an operational prototype instrument. The measured Raman signals, which represent the molecular density, are directly analyzed to determine the optical extinction profiles. An algorithm for the telescope geometrical form factor was developed to aid in analyzing signals near the surface. Several data sets show that optical extinction is strongly correlated with relative humidity. Vertical profiles of optical scattering were obtained using a multi-wavelength Raman lidar to describe the distribution of airborne particulate matter to help determine particle density and size distribution. Scattering at optical wavelengths provides information on small airborne particles and corresponds well with the PM2.5 particulate matter.
| Citation: | "Lidar Measurements Describe Distribution of Airborne Particulate Matter", Li, G., G. S. Chadha, C. R. Philbrick, ILRC, European Space Agency (ESA), 2000, pp. 1 - 4 |