Atmos. Meas. techniques

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Combined list of the recent articles of the journal Atmospheric Measurement Techniques and the recent discussion forum Atmospheric Measurement Techniques Discussions
Updated: 1 day 22 hours ago

Retrieving UV–Vis spectral single-scattering albedo of absorbing aerosols above clouds from synergy of ORACLES airborne and A-train sensors

Thu, 04/18/2024 - 18:43
Retrieving UV–Vis spectral single-scattering albedo of absorbing aerosols above clouds from synergy of ORACLES airborne and A-train sensors
Hiren T. Jethva, Omar Torres, Richard A. Ferrare, Sharon P. Burton, Anthony L. Cook, David B. Harper, Chris A. Hostetler, Jens Redemann, Vinay Kayetha, Samuel LeBlanc, Kristina Pistone, Logan Mitchell, and Connor J. Flynn
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2335–2366, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2335-2024, 2024
We introduce a novel synergy algorithm applied to ORALCES airborne measurements of above-cloud aerosol optical depth and UV–Vis satellite observations from OMI and MODIS to retrieve spectral aerosol single-scattering albedo of lofted layers of carbonaceous smoke aerosols over clouds. The development of the proposed aerosol–cloud algorithm implies a possible synergy of CALIOP and OMI–MODIS passive sensors to deduce a global product of AOD and SSA of absorbing aerosols above clouds.

Greenhouse gas retrievals for the CO2M mission using the FOCAL method: first performance estimates

Thu, 04/18/2024 - 18:43
Greenhouse gas retrievals for the CO2M mission using the FOCAL method: first performance estimates
Stefan Noël, Michael Buchwitz, Michael Hilker, Maximilian Reuter, Michael Weimer, Heinrich Bovensmann, John P. Burrows, Hartmut Bösch, and Ruediger Lang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2317–2334, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2317-2024, 2024
FOCAL-CO2M is one of the three operational retrieval algorithms which will be used to derive XCO2 and XCH4 from measurements of the forthcoming European CO2M mission. We present results of applications of FOCAL-CO2M to simulated spectra, from which confidence is gained that the algorithm is able to fulfil the challenging requirements on systematic errors for the CO2M mission (spatio-temporal bias ≤ 0.5 ppm for XCO2 and ≤ 5 ppb for XCH4).

Quantitative imaging of carbon dioxide plumes using a ground-based shortwave infrared spectral camera

Thu, 04/18/2024 - 15:35
Quantitative imaging of carbon dioxide plumes using a ground-based shortwave infrared spectral camera
Marvin Knapp, Ralph Kleinschek, Sanam N. Vardag, Felix Külheim, Helge Haveresch, Moritz Sindram, Tim Siegel, Bruno Burger, and André Butz
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2257–2275, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2257-2024, 2024
Imaging carbon dioxide (CO2) plumes of anthropogenic sources from planes and satellites has proven valuable for detecting emitters and monitoring climate mitigation efforts. We present the first images of CO2 plumes taken with a ground-based spectral camera, observing a coal-fired power plant as a validation target. We develop a technique to find the source emission strength with an hourly resolution, which reasonably agrees with the expected emissions under favorable conditions.

The transition to new ozone absorption cross sections for Dobson and Brewer total ozone measurements

Thu, 04/18/2024 - 15:35
The transition to new ozone absorption cross sections for Dobson and Brewer total ozone measurements
Karl Voglmeier, Voltaire A. Velazco, Luca Egli, Julian Gröbner, Alberto Redondas, and Wolfgang Steinbrecht
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2277–2294, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2277-2024, 2024
Comparison between total ozone column (TOC) measurements from ground-based Dobson and Brewer spectrophotometers generally reveals seasonally varying differences of a few percent. This study recommends a new TOC retrieval approach, which effectively eliminates these seasonally varying differences by applying new ozone absorption cross sections, appropriate slit functions for the Dobson instrument, and climatological values for the effective ozone temperature.

Radiative closure tests of collocated hyperspectral microwave and infrared radiometers

Wed, 04/17/2024 - 17:49
Radiative closure tests of collocated hyperspectral microwave and infrared radiometers
Lei Liu, Natalia Bliankinshtein, Yi Huang, John R. Gyakum, Philip M. Gabriel, Shiqi Xu, and Mengistu Wolde
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2219–2233, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2219-2024, 2024
We conducted a radiance closure experiment using a unique combination of two hyperspectral radiometers, one operating in the microwave and the other in the infrared. By comparing the measurements of the two hyperspectrometers to synthetic radiance simulated from collocated atmospheric profiles, we affirmed the proper performance of the two instruments and quantified their radiometric uncertainty for atmospheric sounding applications.

Atmospheric propane (C3H8) column retrievals from ground-based FTIR observations at Xianghe, China

Wed, 04/17/2024 - 17:49
Atmospheric propane (C3H8) column retrievals from ground-based FTIR observations at Xianghe, China
Minqiang Zhou, Pucai Wang, Bart Dils, Bavo Langerock, Geoff Toon, Christian Hermans, Weidong Nan, Qun Cheng, and Martine DeMaziere
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-67,2024
Preprint under review for AMT (discussion: open, 0 comments)
Solar absorption spectra near 2967 cm−1 recorded by a ground-based FTIR with a high spectral resolution of 0.0035 cm-1 are applied to retrieve C3H8 columns for the first time at Xianghe, China, within the NDACC-IRWG. The mean and standard deviation of the C3H8 columns are 1.80±0.81(1σ) × 10 molecules / cm2. Good correlations are found between C3H8 and other non-methane hydrocarbons, such as C2H6 (R=0.84) and C2H2 (R=0.79), as well as between C3H8 and CO (R=0.72). 

Development of a cascade impactor optimized for size-fractionated analysis of aerosol metal content by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF)

Wed, 04/17/2024 - 16:34
Development of a cascade impactor optimized for size-fractionated analysis of aerosol metal content by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF)
Claudio Crazzolara and Andreas Held
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2183–2194, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2183-2024, 2024
Our paper describes the development of a collection device that can be used to collect airborne dust particles classified according to their size. This collection device is optimized for a special analysis method based on X-ray fluorescence so that particles can be collected from the air and analyzed with high sensitivity. This enables the determination of the content of heavy metals in the airborne particle fraction, which are of health-relevant significance.

Improved rain event detection in commercial microwave link time series via combination with MSG SEVIRI data

Wed, 04/17/2024 - 16:34
Improved rain event detection in commercial microwave link time series via combination with MSG SEVIRI data
Maximilian Graf, Andreas Wagner, Julius Polz, Llorenç Lliso, José Alberto Lahuerta, Harald Kunstmann, and Christian Chwala
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2165–2182, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2165-2024, 2024
Commercial microwave links (CMLs) can be used for rainfall retrieval. The detection of rainy periods in their attenuation time series is a crucial processing step. We investigate the usage of rainfall data from MSG SEVIRI for this task, compare this approach with existing methods, and introduce a novel combined approach. The results show certain advantages for SEVIRI-based methods, particularly for CMLs where existing methods perform poorly. Our novel combination yields the best performance.

A directional surface reflectance climatology determined from TROPOMI observations

Wed, 04/17/2024 - 16:34
A directional surface reflectance climatology determined from TROPOMI observations
Lieuwe G. Tilstra, Martin de Graaf, Victor J. H. Trees, Pavel Litvinov, Oleg Dubovik, and Piet Stammes
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2235–2256, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2235-2024, 2024
This paper introduces a new surface albedo climatology of directionally dependent Lambertian-equivalent reflectivity (DLER) observed by TROPOMI on the Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite. The database contains monthly fields of DLER for 21 wavelength bands at a relatively high spatial resolution of 0.125 by 0.125 degrees. The anisotropy of the surface reflection is handled by parameterisation of the viewing angle dependence.

The High lAtitude sNowfall Detection and Estimation aLgorithm for ATMS (HANDEL-ATMS): a new algorithm for snowfall retrieval at high latitudes

Wed, 04/17/2024 - 15:35
The High lAtitude sNowfall Detection and Estimation aLgorithm for ATMS (HANDEL-ATMS): a new algorithm for snowfall retrieval at high latitudes
Andrea Camplani, Daniele Casella, Paolo Sanò, and Giulia Panegrossi
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2195–2217, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2195-2024, 2024
The paper describes a new machine-learning-based snowfall retrieval algorithm for Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder observations developed to retrieve high-latitude snowfall events. The main novelty of the approach is the radiometric characterization of the background surface at the time of the overpass, which is ancillary to the retrieval process. The algorithm shows a unique capability to retrieve snowfall in the environmental conditions typical of high latitudes.

Next-generation radiance unfiltering process for the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System instrument

Wed, 04/17/2024 - 15:35
Next-generation radiance unfiltering process for the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System instrument
Lusheng Liang, Wenying Su, Sergio Sejas, Zachary Eitzen, and Norman G. Loeb
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2147–2163, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2147-2024, 2024
This paper describes an updated process to obtain unfiltered radiation from CERES satellite instruments by incorporating the most recent developments in radiative transfer modeling and ancillary input datasets (e.g., realistic representation of land surface radiation and climatology of surface temperatures and aerosols) during the past 20 years. The resulting global mean of instantaneous SW and LW fluxes is changed by less than 0.5 W m−2 with regional differences as large as 2.0 W m−2.

Investigation of gravity waves using measurements from a sodium temperature/wind lidar operated in multi-direction mode

Tue, 04/16/2024 - 17:49
Investigation of gravity waves using measurements from a sodium temperature/wind lidar operated in multi-direction mode
Bing Cao and Alan Z. Liu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2123–2146, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2123-2024, 2024
A narrow-band sodium lidar measures atmospheric waves but is limited to vertical variations. We propose to utilize phase shifts among observations from different laser beams to derive horizontal wave information. Two gravity wave packets were identified by this method. Both waves were found to interact with thin evanescent layers, partially reflected, but transmitted energy to higher altitudes. The method can detect more medium-frequency gravity waves for similar lidar systems worldwide.

Comparison of the imaginary parts of the atmospheric refractive index structure parameter and aerosol flux based on different measurement methods

Tue, 04/16/2024 - 17:49
Comparison of the imaginary parts of the atmospheric refractive index structure parameter and aerosol flux based on different measurement methods
Renmin Yuan, Hongsheng Zhang, Jiajia Hua, Hao Liu, Peizhe Wu, Xingyu Zhu, and Jianning Sun
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2089–2102, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2089-2024, 2024
Previously, a new method for atmospheric aerosol flux was proposed, and a large-aperture scintillometer was developed for experimental measurements, but the method was consistently not validated. In this paper, eddy correlation experiments for aerosol vertical transport fluxes were conducted to verify the reliability of the previous large-aperture scintillometer method. The experimental results also show that urban green land is a sink area for aerosol particles.

Design and evaluation of a low-cost sensor node for near-background methane measurement

Tue, 04/16/2024 - 17:49
Design and evaluation of a low-cost sensor node for near-background methane measurement
Daniel Furuta, Bruce Wilson, Albert A. Presto, and Jiayu Li
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2103–2121, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2103-2024, 2024
Methane is an important driver of climate change and is challenging to inexpensively sense in low atmospheric concentrations. We developed a low-cost sensor to monitor methane and tested it in indoor and outdoor settings. Our device shows promise for monitoring low levels of methane. We characterize its limitations and suggest future research directions for further development.

Development of a Multichannel Organics In situ enviRonmental Analyzer (MOIRA) for mobile measurements of volatile organic compounds

Mon, 04/15/2024 - 17:49
Development of a Multichannel Organics In situ enviRonmental Analyzer (MOIRA) for mobile measurements of volatile organic compounds
Audrey J. Dang, Nathan M. Kreisberg, Tyler L. Cargill, Jhao-Hong Chen, Sydney Hornitschek, Remy Hutheesing, Jay R. Turner, and Brent J. Williams
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2067–2087, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2067-2024, 2024
The Multichannel Organics In situ enviRonmental Analyzer (MOIRA) is a new instrument for measuring speciated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air and has been developed for mapping concentrations from a hybrid car. MOIRA is characterized in the lab and pilot field studies of indoor air in a single-family residence and outdoor air during a mobile deployment. Future applications include indoor, outdoor, and lab measurements to grasp the impact of VOCs on air quality, health, and climate.

Testing Ion Exchange Resin for quantifying bulk and throughfall deposition of macro and micro-elements on forests

Mon, 04/15/2024 - 16:17
Testing Ion Exchange Resin for quantifying bulk and throughfall deposition of macro and micro-elements on forests
Marleen A. E. Vos, Wim de Vries, G. F. Ciska Veen, Marcel Hoosbeek, and Frank J. Sterck
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-46,2024
Preprint under review for AMT (discussion: open, 0 comments)
Atmospheric deposition poses risks with high anthropogenic inputs. Current deposition measurement methods are labor-intensive. Ion Exchange Resin (IER) offers a promising, cost-effective alternative. We assessed IER for bulk deposition and throughfall, testing adsorption capacity, recovery efficiency, and field performance. IER showed good adsorption and recovery and was unaffected by environmental conditions, showing potential for robust and efficient measurements of atmospheric deposition.

Evaluation of the effects of different lightning protection rods on the data quality of C-Band weather radars

Fri, 04/12/2024 - 16:17
Evaluation of the effects of different lightning protection rods on the data quality of C-Band weather radars
Cornelius Hald, Maximilian Schaper, Annette Böhm, Michael Frech, Jan Petersen, Bertram Lange, and Benjamin Rohrdantz
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-45,2024
Preprint under review for AMT (discussion: open, 0 comments)
Weather radars should use lightning protection to be safe from damage, but the rods can reduce the quality of the radar measurements. This study presents three new solutions for lightning protection for weather radars and evaluates their influence on data quality. The results are compared to the current system. All tested ones have very little effects on data, and a new lightning protection system with four rods is recommended for the German Meteorological Service.

Two new 222Rn emanation sources – a comparison study

Thu, 04/11/2024 - 18:40
Two new 222Rn emanation sources – a comparison study
Tanita J. Ballé, Stefan Röttger, Florian Mertes, Anja Honig, Petr Kovar, Petr P. S. Otáhal, and Annette Röttger
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2055–2065, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2055-2024, 2024
Over 50 % of naturally occurring radiation exposure is due to 222Rn (progenies), but traceability of measurements to the International System of Units (SI) is lacking. To address this, two new 222Rn sources were developed to be used as calibration standards for reference instruments. These sources were investigated by comparing their estimated calibration factors for one instrument. Despite the small differences derived, all uncertainties are well within the intended target uncertainty of 10 %.

An Economical Tunable-Diode Laser Spectrometer for Fast-Response Measurements of Water Vapor in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Thu, 04/11/2024 - 18:40
An Economical Tunable-Diode Laser Spectrometer for Fast-Response Measurements of Water Vapor in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Emily Wein, Lars Kalnajs, and Darin Toohey
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-34,2024
Preprint under review for AMT (discussion: open, 0 comments)
We describe a low cost and small research grade spectrometer for measurements of water vapor in the boundary layer. The instrument uses small Arduino microcontrollers and inexpensive laser diodes to reduce cost while maintaining high performance comparable to more expensive instruments. Performance was assessed with intercomparisons between commercially available instruments outdoors. The design's simplicity, performance and price point allow it to be accessible to a variety of users.

Uncertainties in temperature statistics and fluxes determined by sonic anemometer due to wind-induced vibrations of mounting arms

Wed, 04/10/2024 - 18:21
Uncertainties in temperature statistics and fluxes determined by sonic anemometer due to wind-induced vibrations of mounting arms
Zhongming Gao, Heping Liu, Dan Li, Bai Yang, Von Walden, Lei Li, and Ivan Bogoev
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-47,2024
Preprint under review for AMT (discussion: open, 0 comments)
Using data collected from three levels of a 62-m tower, we found that both the temperature variances and sensible heat flux obtained from sonic anemometers are consistently lower, by a few percentages, compared to those from fine-wire thermocouples.

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