Lidar-based Studies of Aerosol Optical Properties Over Coastal Areas

Aerosol size distribution and concentration strongly depend on wind speed, direction, and measuring point location in the marine boundary layer over coastal areas. The marine aerosol particles which are found over the sea waves in high wind conditions affect visible and near infrared propagation for paths that pass very close to the surface as well as the remote sensing measurements of the sea surface. These particles are produced by various air sea interactions. This paper presents the results of measurements taken at numerous coastal stations between 1992 and 2006 using an FLS-12 lidar system together with other supporting instrumentation. The investigations demonstrated that near-water layers in coastal areas differ significantly from those over open seas both in terms of structure and physical properties. Taking into consideration the above mentioned factors, aerosol concentrations and optical properties were determined in the marine boundary layer as a function of offshore distance and altitude at various coastal sites in two seasons. The lidar results show that the remote sensing algorithms used currently in coastal areas need verification and are not fully reliable.