Aerosol Size Distribution Measurements and Laser -Transmission Experiments

A field experiment to measure aerosol size distributions along with the spectral atmospheric transmission at certain specific wave lengths in the visible and near infrared part of the spectrum is conducted at Zurich airport. The aim is to get an improved knowledge about the nature and variability of aerosol size distributions in the atmospheric boundary layer and its influence on the transmission, together with a better understanding of current deficiencies and sources of errors in aerosol models and radiative codes. Size distributions are measured using an optical particle counter. At the same site temperature and relative humidity measurements are executed. Laser transmission is measured on a horizontal path length of 50 m. Additional data are provided by the meteorological network. Meteorological data are used as an input for the numerical simulation of atmospheric transmission with different radiative codes. The resulting numerical values are compared to the measurements.

Contact: Atsumu Ohmura