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The effect of the aerosol vertical distribution on photolysis frequencies of O3 and NO2 is studied. Aerosol measurements in Raciborz (50.08° N, 18.19° E), Poland, made using the CIMEL Sun photometer and collocated CHM-15k “Nimbus” ceilometer are analyzed for the period 2015–2020. Vertical profiles of the aerosol extinction are derived from the Generalized Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties (GRASP) algorithm combining the ceilometer measurements of the aerosol backscattering coefficient with the collocated CIMEL measurements of the columnar characteristics of aerosols. The photolysis frequencies are calculated at the three levels in the lower troposphere (the surface and 0.5 and 2 km above the surface) using a radiative transfer model, Tropospheric Ultraviolet and Visible (TUV), for various settings of aerosol optical properties in the model input. The importance of the aerosol vertical distribution on photolysis frequencies is inferred by analyzing statistics of the differences between the output of the model, including the extinction profile from the GRASP algorithm, and the default TUV model (based on columnar aerosol characteristics by the CIMEL Sun photometer and Elterman’s extinction profile). For model levels above the surface, standard deviation, 2.5th percentile, 97.5th percentile, and the extremes, calculated from relative differences between these input settings, are comparable with the pertaining statistical values for the input pair providing changes of photolysis frequencies only due to the variability of the columnar aerosol characteristics. This indicates that the vertical properties of aerosols affect the distribution of the photolysis frequencies in the lower troposphere on a similar scale to that due to variations in columnar aerosol characteristics.

The Poland-AOD aerosol research network was established in 2011 to improve aerosol–climate interaction knowledge and provide a real-time and historical, comprehensive, and quantitative database for the aerosol optical properties distribution over Poland. The network consists of research institutions and private owners operating 10 measurement stations and an organization responsible for aerosol model transport simulations. Poland-AOD collaboration provides observations of spectral aerosol optical depth (AOD), Ångstrom Exponent (AE), incoming shortwave (SW) and longwave (LW) radiation fluxes, vertical profiles of aerosol optical properties and surface aerosol scattering and absorption coefficient, as well as microphysical particle properties. Based on the radiative transfer model (RTM), the aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) and the heating rate are simulated. In addition, results from GEM-AQ and WRF-Chem models (e.g., aerosol mass mixing ratio and optical properties for several particle chemical components), and HYSPLIT back-trajectories are used to interpret the results of observation and to describe the 3D aerosol optical properties distribution. Results of Poland-AOD research indicate progressive improvement of air quality and at mospheric turbidity during the last decade. The AOD was reduced by about 0.02/10 yr (at 550 nm), which corresponds to positive trends in ARF. The estimated clear-sky ARF trend is 0.34 W/m2/10 yr and 0.68 W/m2/10 yr, respectively, at TOA and at Earth’s surface. Therefore, reduction in aerosol load observed in Poland can significantly contribute to climate warming.

Biomass burning episodes measured at 14 stations of the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) over 2008–2017 were analysed using the methodology described in "Biomass burning events measured by lidars in EARLINET – Part 1: Data analysis methodology" (Adam et al., 2020, this issue). The smoke layers were identified in lidar optical properties profiles. A number of 795 layers for which we measured at least one intensive parameter was analysed. These layers were geographically distributed as follows: 399 layers observed in South-East Europe, 119 layers observed in South-West Europe, 243 layers observed in North-East Europe, and 34 layers observed in Central Europe. The mean layer intensive parameters are discussed following two research directions: (I) the long-range transport of smoke particles from North America, and (II) the smoke properties (fresh versus aged), separating the smoke events into four continental source regions (European, North American, African, Asian or a mixture of two), based on back trajectory analysis. The smoke detected in Central Europe (Cabauw, Leipzig, and Hohenpeißenberg) was mostly transported from North America (87 % of fires). In North-East Europe (Belsk, Minsk, Warsaw) smoke advected mostly from Eastern Europe (Ukraine and Russia), but there was a significant contribution (31 %) from North America. In South-West Europe (Barcelona, Evora, Granada) smoke originated mainly from the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa (while 9 % were originating in North America). In the South-East Europe (Athens, Bucharest, Potenza, Sofia, Thessaloniki) the origin of the smoke was mostly local (only 3 % represented North America smoke). The following features, correlated with the increased smoke travel time (corresponding to aging) were found: the colour ratio of the lidar ratio (i.e., the ratio of the lidar ratio at 532 nm to the lidar ratio at 355 nm) and the colour ratio of the backscatter Ångström exponent (i.e., the ratio of the backscatter-related Angstrom exponent for the pair 532 nm – 1064 nm to the one for the pair 355 nm – 532 nm) increase, while the extinction Ångström exponent and the colour ratio of the particle depolarization ratio (i.e., the ratio of the particle linear depolarization ratio at 532 nm to the particle depolarization ratio at 355 nm) decrease. The smoke originating from all continental regions can be characterized on average as aged smoke, with a very few exceptions. In general, the long range transported smoke shows higher lidar ratio and lower depolarization ratio compared to the local smoke.

A novel methodology is formulated and investigated on test cases for the reconstruction of complete vertical aerosol extinction profiles in which a synergy of remote, in-situ, and airborne measurements is utilized. The GRASP Open aerosol retrieval algorithm is supplied with remote LIDAR and sunphotometer data to obtain aerosol extinction profiles within the LIDAR’s operation range for coarse and fine aerosol modes separately. These are supplemented with ground-based in-situ measurements of particle size distribution that are translated to coarse and fine aerosol extinction coefficients with the use of Mie theory. UAV-based observations with optical particle counters are included to add information on vertical aerosol variability in the near-surface region. The profiles are closed with an analytical interpolation that is fine-tuned to produce continuous and smooth extinction profiles throughout the whole troposphere that are in agreement with columnar aerosol optical depth measurements. We present the possibility of reconstructing a complete and calibrated aerosol extinction profile, based on the case studies at a Central European background station. We include data-denial experiments to show that the inclusion of UAV-based measurements improves such reconstructions by providing crucial information on aerosol profiles near the ground. The proposed methodology can prove to be a potent tool for studies of aerosol concentration and evolution, especially when the majority of the pollution resides near the surface. Such conditions are prevalent in many highly industrialized regions, including central and southern Poland.

Biomass burning events are analysed using the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network database for atmospheric profiling of aerosols by lidars. Atmospheric profiles containing forest fires layers were identified in data collected by fourteen stations during 2008–2017. The data ranged from complete data sets (particle backscatter coefficient, extinction coefficient and linear depolarization ratio) to single profiles (particle backscatter coefficient). The data analysis methodology was described in Part I (Biomass burning events measured by lidars in EARLINET. Part I. Data analysis methodology, under discussions to ACP, the EARLINET special issue). The results are analysed by means of intensive parameters in three directions: (I) common biomass burning source (fire) recorded by at least two stations, (II) long range transport of smoke particles from North America (here, we divided the events into pure North America and mixed-North America and local) smoke groups, and (III) analysis of smoke particles over four geographical regions (SE Europe, NE Europe, Central Europe and SW Europe). Five events were found for case (I), while 24 events were determined for case (II). A statistical analysis over the four geographical regions considered revealed that smoke originated from different regions. The smoke detected in the Central Europe region (Cabauw, Leipzig, and Hohenpeißenberg) was mostly brought over from North America (87 % of the fires), by long range transport. The smoke in the South West region (Barcelona, Evora, and Granada) came mostly from the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, the long-range transport from North America accounting for only 9 % here. The smoke in the North Europe region (Belsk, Minsk, and Warsaw) originated mostly in East Europe (Ukraine and Russia), and had a 31 % contribution from smoke by long-range transport from North America. For the South East region (Athens, Bucharest, Potenza, Sofia, Thessaloniki) the origin of the smoke was mostly located in SE Europe (only 3 % from North America). Specific features for the lidar-derived intensive parameters based on smoke continental origin were determined for each region. Based on the whole dataset, the following signatures were observed: (i) the colour ratio of the lidar ratio and the backscatter Ångström exponent increase with travel time, while the extinction Ångström exponent and the colour ratio of the particle depolarization ratio decrease; (ii) an increase of the colour ratio of the particle depolarization ratio corresponds to both a decrease of the colour ratio of the lidar ratios and an increase of the extinction Ångström exponent; (iii) the measured smoke originating from all continental regions is characterized in average as aged smoke, except for a few cases; (iv) in general, the local smoke shows a smaller lidar ratio while the long range transported smoke shows a higher lidar ratio; and (v) the depolarization is smaller for long range transported smoke. A complete characterization of the smoke particles type (either fresh or aged) is presented for each of the four geographical regions versus different continental source regions.

Ceilometers are effective instruments to study atmospheric profiles. They are primarily designed to study cloud base height however are widely used to study aerosol optical properties profiles, aerosol backscatter or extinction coefficients or just atmospheric layering. In this work we utilized statistics of aerosol layers in free troposphere to explain differences between measured and modelled UV radiation at Raciborz station in southern Poland.Raciborz is a town in southern Poland, close to the Czech Republic border. This area is affected by local urban and industrial pollutions from urban area of Silesia in South Western Poland and North Eastern Czech Republic. Remote locations of aerosols may also play important role in UV radiation modification. The observatory in Raciborz is equipped with CHM-15k Nimbus ceilometer, triple Sun-Sky-Lunar CIMEL ceilometer, and Kipp & Zonen UVS-E-T biometer.Series of erythema dose rates were compared to that modelled by Tropospheric Ultraviolet-Visible (TUV) radiation transfer model. We used satellite (OMI) ozone, aerosol columnar properties (optical thickness at 340 nm, Angstrom exponent for 340-440nm range as well as single scattering albedo and asymmetry parameter at 440 nm) measured by CIMEL photometer as model input values. The model/observations differences are within +/- 5% range for 90% of measured doses during cloud free conditions. The median of model/observations ratio differences is 0.994. To explain revealed ratio variability a statistical, regression model was developed. A random forest approach applied to normalized erythema doses explained about 52% of model/observations ratio differences by aerosol characteristics in free troposphere.Aerosol characteristics provided as statistical model input are: mean altitude of aerosol’s layer base and top, geometrical thickness of all layers and sum of aerosol layer backscatter intensity (in arbitral units) normalized by layer geometrical thickness. Aerosol layers are found throughout the year with the highest frequency in August (about 80% days with at least one layer) and the lowest in November (about 10% days). For days with layers, the mean number of the layers per day is less variable usually 2-3 layers in one day. The mean depth of the layer is larger in summer (1.3 km) than in winter (0.8 km) but the life time of the layer is similar of about 7-8 hours in both periods.AcknowledgementsThis work was supported by Polish National Science Center under grant no. 2017/25/B/ST10/01650.

The financial support by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (ACTRIS-2, grant agreement no. 654109) is gratefully acknowledged. The investigation was supported by the Belarusian Republican Foundation for Fundamental, Research Agreement No. F18EA-011, by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant No. 18-55-81001), and also by Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (project code QTRU05.01/18-20). The Portuguese team acknowledges the support from the Portuguese Science Foundation, in the frame of the European Regional Development Fund -COMPETE 2020, under the projects UID/GEO/04683/2013 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690), The paper presents the preliminary results of the lidar&radiometer measurement campaign (LRMC2017), estimation of statistical relations between aerosol mode concentrations retrieved from CALIOP and ground-based lidar stations and case study of fire smoke events in the Eurasian regions using combined ground-based and space lidar and radiometer observations., European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (ACTRIS-2) 654109, Belarusian Republican Foundation for Fundamental, Research F18EA-011, Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR) 18-55-81001, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology QTRU05.01/18-20, Portuguese Science Foundation, in the frame of the European Regional Development Fund -COMPETE 2020 UID/GEO/04683/2013 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690)

The biomass burning events are analyzed using the EARLINET-ACTRIS atmospheric profiling of aerosols using lidars. The period of 2008-2017 was chosen to analyze all the events assigned in the EARLINET database under Forest Fire category. A number of fourteen stations were considered. The data provided, ranged from complete data sets (backscatter, extinction and particle linear depolarization ratio) to single profiles (backscatter coefficient). A thorough quality control was performed. Smoke layers geometry was evaluated and the mean properties within each layer were computed. The Hysplit backward-trajectory technique and the FIRMS fire database were used to double check the source of each layer. Discussions were made under the following scenarios: fire events seen by two stations, long range transport from North America, and geographical clusters.

This paper describes results of integrated precipitable water co-located measurements from two techniques: GPS solution and CIMEL-318 sunphotometer. Integrated Precipitable Water (IPW) is an important meteorological parameter and is derived from GPS tropospheric solutions for GPS station at Central Geophysical Observatory (CGO), Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS), Belsk and compared with sunphotometer (CIMEL-318 device by Cimel Electronique) data provided by Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). Two dedicated and independent GPS solutions: network solution in the sub-network of European Permanent Network (EPN) and precise point positioning solution have been made to obtain tropospheric delays. The quality of dedicated tropospheric solutions has been verified by comparison with EPN tropospheric combined product. Several IPW comparisons and analyses revealed systematic difference between techniques (difference RMS is over 1 mm). IPW bias changes with season: annual close to 1 mm IPW (and semi-annual term also present). IPW bias is a function of atmospheric temperature. Probable cause of this systematic deficiency in solar photometry as IPW retrieval technique is a change of optical filter characteristics in CIMEL.

Six months of stratospheric aerosol observations with the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) from August 2017 to January 2018 are presented. The decay phase of an unprecedented, record-breaking stratospheric perturbation caused by wildfire smoke is reported and discussed in terms of geometrical, optical, and microphysical aerosol properties. Enormous amounts of smoke were injected into the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere over fire areas in western Canada on 12 August 2017 during strong thunderstorm–pyrocumulonimbus activity. The stratospheric fire plumes spread over the entire Northern Hemisphere in the following weeks and months. Twenty-eight European lidar stations from northern Norway to southern Portugal and the eastern Mediterranean monitored the strong stratospheric perturbation on a continental scale. The main smoke layer (over central, western, southern, and eastern Europe) was found at heights between 15 and 20 km since September 2017 (about 2 weeks after entering the stratosphere). Thin layers of smoke were detected at heights of up to 22–23 km. The stratospheric aerosol optical thickness at 532 nm decreased from values > 0.25 on 21–23 August 2017 to 0.005–0.03 until 5–10 September and was mainly 0.003–0.004 from October to December 2017 and thus was still significantly above the stratospheric background (0.001–0.002). Stratospheric particle extinction coefficients (532 nm) were as high as 50–200 Mm−1 until the beginning of September and on the order of 1 Mm−1 (0.5– 5 Mm−1 ) from October 2017 until the end of January 2018. The corresponding layer mean particle mass concentration was on the order of 0.05–0.5 µg m−3 over these months. Soot particles (light-absorbing carbonaceous particles) are efficient ice-nucleating particles (INPs) at upper tropospheric (cirrus) temperatures and available to influence cirrus formation when entering the tropopause from above. We estimated INP concentrations of 50–500 L−1 until the first days in September and afterwards 5–50 L−1 until the end of the year 2017 in the lower stratosphere for typical cirrus formation temperatures of −55 ◦C and an ice supersaturation level of 1.15. The measured profiles of the particle linear depolarization ratio indicated a predominance of nonspherical smoke particles. The 532 nm depolarization ratio decreased slowly with time in the main smoke layer from values of 0.15–0.25 (August–September) to values of 0.05–0.10 (October–November) and < 0.05 (December–January). The decrease of the depolarization ratio is consistent with aging of the smoke particles, growing of a coating around the solid black carbon core (aggregates), and thus change of the shape towards a spherical form. We found ascending aerosol layer features over the most southern European stations, especially over the eastern Mediterranean at 32–35◦ N, that ascended from heights of about 18–19 to 22–23 km from the beginning of October to the beginning of December 2017 (about 2 km per month). We discuss several transport and lifting mechanisms that may have had an impact on the found aerosol layering structures.

International audience; Six months of stratospheric aerosol observations with the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) from August 2017 to January 2018 are presented. The decay phase of an unprecedented, record-breaking stratospheric perturbation caused by wildfire smoke is reported and discussed in terms of geometrical, optical, and microphysical aerosol properties. Enormous amounts of smoke were injected into the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere over fire areas in western Canada on 12 August 2017 during strong thunderstorm-pyrocumulonimbus activity. The stratospheric fire plumes spread over the entire Northern Hemisphere in the following weeks and months. Twenty-eight European lidar stations from northern Norway to southern Portugal and the eastern Mediterranean monitored the strong stratospheric perturbation on a continental scale. The main smoke layer (over central, western, southern, and eastern Europe) was found at heights between 15 and 20 km since September 2017 (about 2 weeks after entering the stratosphere). Thin layers of smoke were detected at heights of up to 22-23 km. The stratospheric aerosol optical thickness at 532 nm decreased from values > 0.25 on 21-23 August 2017 to 0.005-0.03 until 5-10 September and was mainly 0.003-0.004 from October to December 2017 and thus was still significantly above the stratospheric background (0.001-0.002). Stratospheric particle extinction coefficients (532 nm) were as high as 50-200 Mm-1 until the beginning of September and on the order of 1 Mm-1 (0.5-5 Mm-1) from October 2017 until the end of January 2018. The corresponding layer mean particle mass concentration was on the order of 0.05-0.5 µg m-3 over these months. Soot particles (light-absorbing carbonaceous particles) are efficient ice-nucleating particles (INPs) at upper tropospheric (cirrus) temperatures and available to influence cirrus formation when entering the tropopause from above. We estimated INP concentrations of 50-500 L-1 until the first days in September and afterwards 5-50 L-1 until the end of the year 2017 in the lower stratosphere for typical cirrus formation temperatures of -55 ∘C and an ice supersaturation level of 1.15. The measured profiles of the particle linear depolarization ratio indicated a predominance of nonspherical smoke particles. The 532 nm depolarization ratio decreased slowly with time in the main smoke layer from values of 0.15-0.25 (August-September) to values of 0.05-0.10 (October-November) and < 0.05 (December-January). The decrease of the depolarization ratio is consistent with aging of the smoke particles, growing of a coating around the solid black carbon core (aggregates), and thus change of the shape towards a spherical form. We found ascending aerosol layer features over the most southern European stations, especially over the eastern Mediterranean at 32-35∘ N, that ascended from heights of about 18-19 to 22-23 km from the beginning of October to the beginning of December 2017 (about 2 km per month). We discuss several transport and lifting mechanisms that may have had an impact on the found aerosol layering structures.

The subject of this study is to use in-situ measurements, passive and active remote sensing observations, as well as numerical simulations to describe the temporal variability of aerosol single-scattering properties such as aerosol optical depth (AOD), single scattering albedo (SSA), and aerosol direct shortwave forcing at the Earth׳s surface during the transport of biomass burning (BB) aerosols from Canada to Europe between 2nd and 7th of July 2013. According to the MODIS observations made in the IR spectrum, an area of over 200,000 km 2 was affected by the BB during the episode. Regarding the AERONET data in Canada, results show a significant variability of AOD within the whole period with a special enhancement between 6th and 9th July, when AOD anomaly led to an increase up to 1.5 (500 nm). Low-values of SSA reported at Yellowknife Aurora and Waskesiu are likely to be due to flaming combustion from closely located source areas. MODIS and CALIPSO observations, as well as numerical simulations of the NAAPS model, show transport of smoke particles over the Northern Atlantic Ocean and further eastward. Indeed, the event was observed at a different times and locations over Europe between 2nd and 14th July. During that period a number of AERONET stations, mainly located close to the Baltic Sea reported AOD at 500 nm of above 1. Compared to Canada the SSA in Europe was higher, indicating particle transformation over the Atlantic Ocean. Lidar observations in the northern Poland showed aerosol layers occurring between PBL height and tropopause with a significant (up to 55%) contribution to the total AOD. However, lidar measurements in Central Poland (Warsaw and Belsk) indicate that aerosols were confined mainly in the middle and lower troposphere. A diurnal mean aerosol direct radiative forcing estimated at the ground level during the event was below −30 W/m 2 with radiative forcing efficiency between −60 and −100 W/m 2 /τ 500. The strongest efficiency was found at the Strzyzow station, which was caused by further air mass transformation during its transport over Poland.

Measurements of the Linke turbidity factor (LTF) were performed at Belsk (20.78°E, 51.83°N), Poland, since 1964. This data is used to retrieve broadband aerosol optical thickness normalized to the air mass equal to 2 (BAOT2). A linear analysis of the BAOT2 changes reveals an upward trend of 0.023±0.017(2σ) in the 1964–1975 period, a downward trend of–0.051±0.017(2σ) in the 1976–1991 period, and afterwards a statistically insignificant trend of–0.009 ± 0.014(2σ). Such pattern may be related to the economic changes in Poland (changing emissions and environmental policies). The elevated BAOT2 values, excluded from the trend, are found in 1984 and 1992 due to the volcanic eruptions of El Chichon and Mt. Pinatubo, respectively. Past AOT values at 340 and 500 nm are reconstructed using a linear relationship found between AOT and BAOT2. The reconstructed data is used by the radiative transfer models to estimate a response of the total solar and erythemal radiation to the changes in the atmospheric aerosols at Belsk.

During August 2016, a quasi-stationary high-pressure system spreading over Central and North-Eastern Europe, caused weather conditions that allowed for 24/7 observations of aerosol optical properties by using a complex multi-wavelength PollyXT lidar system with Raman, polarization and water vapour capabilities, based at the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET network) urban site in Warsaw, Poland. During 24–30 August 2016, the lidar-derived products (boundary layer height, aerosol optical depth, Angstrom exponent, lidar ratio, depolarization ratio) were analysed in terms of air mass transport (HYSPLIT model), aerosol load (CAMS data) and type (NAAPS model) and confronted with active and passive remote sensing at the ground level (PolandAOD, AERONET, WIOS-AQ networks) and aboard satellites (SEVIRI, MODIS, CATS sensors). Optical properties for less than a day-old fresh biomass burning aerosol, advected into Warsaw’s boundary layer from over Ukraine, were compared with the properties of long-range transported 3–5 day-old aged biomass burning aerosol detected in the free troposphere over Warsaw. Analyses of temporal changes of aerosol properties within the boundary layer, revealed an increase of aerosol optical depth and Angstrom exponent accompanied by an increase of surface PM10 and PM2.5. Intrusions of advected biomass burning particles into the urban boundary layer seem to affect not only the optical properties observed but also the top height of the boundary layer, by moderating its increase.

A concentration-weighted trajectory method for aerosol source localization based on joint statistical analysis of aerosol column volume concentrations and back-trajectory data was used to estimate the spatial distribution of aerosol sources in the East-European region. The aerosol column volume concentration data measured at five AERONET network sites, Belsk, Minsk, Kyiv, Moldova/Kishinev, and Sevastopol, were used. The geographical areas responsible for increased aerosol content at the monitoring sites were mapped separately for coarse-mode and fine-mode aerosol fractions. The investigated area is located between 42° and 62° N in latitude and between 12° and 50° E in longitude.It was shown that the northeastern territories (in relation to the monitoring stations) give a small contribution to the coarse-mode aerosol content. The events of increased coarse-mode aerosol concentration have been caused by sources in the southeastern regions. On average, the air masses with a large content of coarse-mode aeros...

In this work variability of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) measured at Belsk, Poland is studied as well as modification of AOT during airmass advection towards Belsk. AOT measurements taken at Belsk and at AERONET stations located in eastern Germany, Belarus and Scandinavia are used as well as satellite measurements of AOT taken by MODIS instrument onboard Terra and Aqua satellites. Directions of airmass advection are determined by means of cluster analysis of airmass backward-trajectories. Changes of AOT at Belsk from day to day varies around zero regardless of time lag between measurements. The standard deviation of these measurements increases with increasing time lag. In case of advection from west and north direction such standard deviation is reduced. It gives good perspective for a persistent forecast of next day AOT. Analysis of AOT changes during airmass advection toward Belsk reveals two modes of AOT changes distributions. One of them with small increase of AOT and second one with larger increase of AOT, so-called loading mode. Loading mode dominates in case of advection from south direction whilst the first mode of AOT changes dominates in case of advection from other directions. Mean increase of AOT associated with the first mode is 0.034 ± 0.003. Analysis of backward-trajectories shows that aerosol loading occurs over urban/industrial regions located south and south-west of Belsk. Substantial aerosol loading is found during seasonal biomass burning episodes in Eastern Europe.

This paper presents the analyses of the long-term observations of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter

A Lufft’s CHM 15k “Nimbus” ceilometer and a collocated Cimel Sunphotometer were used to observe planetary boundary layer (PBL) evolution and free tropospheric aerosol layers during a heat-wave that occurred over Central Europe in August 2015. Both instruments were operated in Raciborz, Poland by the Institute of Geophysics PAS since May 2015. The analysis of the data suggests that the PBL top has been elevated to approximately 3000m, a height rarely observed over Poland. Moreover, in the period between 4th and 16th August an unusually high number of aerosol layers were visible in the signals. An analysis based on a backward air mass trajectory (HySplit) and thermal hot-spot (MODVOLC) models combined with a specialized “MISR INteractive eXplorer” (MINX) software provide evidence that at least some of the aerosol was of biomass burning type originating from a strong episode of wildfires in Ukraine.

A cluster analysis is applied to the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) data obtained at Belsk, Poland, as well as three nearby Central European stations (Leipzig, Minsk and Moldova) for estimation of atmospheric aerosol types. Absorption Ångstrom exponent (AAE), aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and extinction Ångstrom exponent (EAE) parameters are used. Clustering in both 2D (AOT, EAE) and 3D (AOT, EAE, AAE) is investigated. A method of air mass backward trajectory analysis is then proposed, with the receptor site at Belsk, to determine possible source regions for each cluster. Four dominant aerosol source regions are identified. The biomass burning aerosol source is localized in the vicinity of Belarusian-Ukrainian border. Slovakia and northern Hungary are found to be the source of urban/industrial pollutants. Western Poland and eastern Germany are the main sources of polluted continental aerosols. The most differentiated source region of Scandinavia, Baltic Sea and Northern Atlantic, associated with lowest values of AOT, corresponds to clean continental and possibly maritime type aerosols.

Measurement results of PM10 (particulate matter with diameters below 10 μm) concentrations performed at four stations in central Poland (2007–2010) were analyzed in terms of levels and distributions of concentrations, the number of exceedances of the limit values and the causes of these exceedances. PM10 levels were similar at suburban and rural stations, except of one station located in the vicinity of a busy street. The median of PM10 concentration ranged from 26 μg/m3 at suburban station to 44 μg/m3 at Warsaw Kerb station. Seasonal variability analysis of PM10 concentration revealed an additional maximum beyond the usual autumn-winter one. This maximum occurred in April at all stations, and corresponded to seasonal wildfires activity and dust activation in Eastern Europe. Cluster analysis of back-trajectories revealed that PM10 concentrations depend on the direction of advection of the incoming air; the highest values are registered for air of regional and southern origins, while the lowest are for the airmasses coming from the north and northwest direction.

Aerosol optical properties have been studied for spring seasons when increased values of PM10 are registered. Measurements of aerosol optical properties were taken by collocated lidar and sun-photometers at Belsk, Poland, and Minsk, Belarus. A significant increase of registered aerosol optical thickness (AOT) was found during episodes with elevated PM10 concentrations. An increase of AOT at 1020 nm amounted to 50% in the case of Minsk and 18% in the case of Belsk, while an increase of AOT at 400 nm was 66% and 33%, respectively. We noted an increase of Angstrom exponent by 6% at both stations and no significant increase of single scattering albedo. The LIDAR measurements together with NAAPS model results and backtrajectory analysis suggest that both the biomass burning products and the Saharan dust are responsible for increased PM10 concentrations and large AOT values during spring time. The smoke aerosol is transported over Central Europe mainly in the boundary layer, increasing both PM10 concentration and AOT. The dust aerosol transported in the free troposphere slightly affects the AOT values only. Statistically significant correlation between PM10 concentration and AOT was found during reporting period.

This work provides information on selected optical parameters related to volcanic ash produced during the eruption of the Eyjafjoll volcano in Iceland in 2010. The observations were made between 16 and 18 April 2010 at four stations representative for northern (Sopot), central (Warsaw, Belsk) and south-eastern (Strzyzow) regions of Poland. The largest ash plume (in terms of aerosol optical thickness) over Poland was observed at night of 16/17 April 2010 in the layer between 4 and 5.5 km a.s.l. The highest values of the aerosol extinction coefficient reached 0.06e0.08 km � 1 at 532 nm (based on lidar observations in Warsaw) and 0.02e0.04 km � 1 at 1064 nm (based on ceilometer observations in Warsaw). The corresponding optical thickness due to volcanic ash reached values of about 0.05 at 532 nm and about 0.03 at 1064 nm. These values are similar to those reported for the Belsk station based on lidar observations. The ash mass concentration estimated based on the maximum aerosol extinction coefficient reached 0.22 � 0.11 mg m � 3 . This value is significantly lower than the limit (2 mg m � 3 ) for the aircraft operation.

Eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano took place on 13-14 April 2010, and created an ash cloud moving towards densely populated areas in Europe. Dispersion models show that the cloud appeared over Poland at noon on 16 April. Measurements of optical properties of the atmospheric aerosols by the Cimel Sun Photometer (optical thickness and volume size distribution) and lidar (backscatter coefficient) at Belsk (52° N, 21° E) for the period 15-26 April 2010 are examined to find volcanic ash in the atmosphere over the site. Thin aerosol clouds, linked to the volcanic eruption, were found below 5 km, and their optical thickness (at 500 nm) varied only slightly in the range of a few hundredths. The optical depth of the aerosol clouds in the 5-7.5 km layer was less than 0.01.

Aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and seasonal variation of AOT over Belsk, Poland, in the UV wavelength range (310–380 nm) have been analysed using results of measurements by Brewer spectrophotometer No. 064 and Cimel sunphotometer data for the 2002–2007 period. The comparison of AOT derived from direct Sun measurements by Brewer spectrophotometer in the 310–320 nm range and retrieved from Cimel measurements at longer wavelengths shows good correlation (R = 0.96), with overestimation of retrieved values compared to the measured ones by about 6%. Basing on aerosol microphysical properties taken from almucantar retrievals and Mie theory, optical properties of aerosol in the UV range has been calculated. Analysis of seasonal variation of AOT at Belsk reveals two maxima: in April and July–August. Analysis of back-trajectories in conjunction with analysis of fire maps from Fire Information For Resource Management System shows that these seasonal maxima are connected with seasonal biomass burning in Eastern and Southern Europe.

The lidar ratios at 500 and 1020 nm were derived from POM 01L sun-sky scanning photometer measurements taken at Belsk Geophysical Observatory (long. 20°47′, lat. 51°50′) in the period from 2002 to 2006. The most frequently occurring lidar ratio values for the study period are 50 sr and 30 sr at 500 nm and 1020 nm, respectively. Calculations of lidar ratios for summer and winter seasons have been made as well. Back trajectory analysis was also performed to final aerosol source of origin.

We present a simple method for monitoring of resonantly excited atom populations. Registration of fluorescence from higher excited levels was used for this purpose. These levels are populated due to collisions of electrons with the atoms of interest. The method is especially useful in the range of high atomic number densities, where due to reabsorption the excited atom population cannot be obtained by observation of their resonance fluorescence.

We present some optical methods of investigation of atmosphere properties: the cavity ring-down spectroscopy for detection of trace gases and different lidar techniques for remote investigation of distribution of aerosol and gaseous pollutions.

Results of measurements of rate constants for transitions between 2P→3P, 2P→3S and 2P→3D levels in lithium as well as between 4P→6P and 4P→7P levels in potassium induced by electron impact are presented. The investigations were performed in laser-induced plasma.

Results of measurements of rate constants for transitions betwen 2P → 4S, 2P → 4P, and 2P → 4D levels of lithium are presented. The investigations were performed in laser induced plasma. The results were compared with calculations based on Born and close coupling approach.

EARLINET, the European Aerosol Research Lidar NETwork, established in 2000, is the first coordinated lidar network for tropospheric aerosol study on the continental scale. The network activity is based on scheduled measurements, a rigorous quality assurance program addressing both instruments and evaluation algorithms, and a standardised data exchange format. At present, the network includes 27 lidar stations distributed over Europe. EARLINET performed almost continuous measurements since 15 April 2010 in order to follow the evolution of the volcanic plume generated from the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, providing the 4-dimensional distribution of the volcanic ash plume over Europe. During the 15-30 April period, volcanic particles were detected over Central Europe over a wide range of altitudes, from 10 km down to the local planetary boundary layer (PBL). Until 19 April, the volcanic plume transport toward South Europe was nearly completely blocked by the Alps. After 19 April volcanic particles were transported to the south and the southeast of Europe. Descending aerosol layers were typically observed all over Europe and intrusion of particles into the PBL was observed at almost each lidar site that was affected by the volcanic plume. A second event was observed over Portugal and Spain (6 May) and then over Italy on 9 May 2010. The volcanic plume was then observed again over Southern Germany on 11 May 2010. rigorous quality assurance program addressing both instruments and evaluation algorithms, and a standardised data exchange format. At present, the network includes 27 lidar stations distributed over Europe. EARLINET performed almost continuous measurements since 15 April 2010 in order to follow the evolution of the volcanic plume generated from the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, providing the 4-dimensional distribution of the volcanic ash plume over Europe. During the 15-30 April period, volcanic particles were detected over Central Europe over a wide range of altitudes, from 10 km down to the local planetary boundary layer (PBL). Until 19 April, the volcanic plume transport toward South Europe was nearly completely blocked by the Alps. After 19 April volcanic particles were transported to the south and the southeast of Europe. Descending aerosol layers were typically observed all over Europe and intrusion of particles into the PBL was observed at almost each lidar site that was affected by the volcanic plume. A second event was observed over Portugal and Spain (6 May) and then over Italy on 9 May 2010. The volcanic plume was then observed again over Southern Germany on 11 May 2010.

Using the Langmuir probe method we evaluated the electron energy distribution (EED) in plasma produced in a Na+He mixture by a laser pulse tuned to the 3S–3P transition. We proposed a new method of retrieving the EED from the probe characteristics at high gas pressures, when the free path of the electrons is less than the probe radius, i.e. in the range of 2–100 Torr. The method consists of using a combination of the first and second derivatives of the electron current. The systematic error that usually occurs when the EED is treated by means of traditional Langmuir and diffusion probes was reduced by two to three times when treated this way. Two phase temporal evolution of the electron distribution was observed. Initially the shape of the EED was close to the Maxwellian function. Its temperature corresponded to the effective excitation temperature, which can characterize the total population of excited sodium atoms. When the concentration of excited atoms decreased, one observed a transformation of the EED function. At the second phase it became well Maxwellized only in the low energy region. The high energy part of the EED had a non-equilibrium shape. This was caused by relaxation of fast electrons produced by super-elastic collisions with residual excited atoms.

We represent the results of our investigations on size distribution of atmospheric aerosol particles by means of a multiwavelength lidar based on Nd : YAG and Ti : Sa lasers equipped with frequency multipliers. The measurements were performed in mountainous areas.

Lidar techniques represent the most suitable tool to obtain information on the aerosol vertical distribution and therefore to close this kind of observational gap. Lidar networks are fundamental to study aerosol on large spatial scale and to investigate transport and modification phenomena. These are the motivations why EARLINET, the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network, was established in 2000. At present, EARLINET consists of 25 lidar stations: 7 single backscatter lidar stations, 9 Raman lidar stations with the UV Raman channel for independent measurements of aerosol extinction and backscatter, and 9 multiwavelength Raman lid ar stations (elastic channel at 1064 nm, 532 nm, 355 nm, Raman channels at 532 nm and 355 nm, plus depolarization channel at 532 nm) for the retrieval of aerosol microphysical properties. EARLINET data can significantly contribute to the quantifica tion of aerosol concentrations, radiative properties, long-range transport and budget, and prediction of future trends on European and global scale. It can also contribute to improve model treatment on a wide range of scales and to a better exploitation of present and future satellite data. EARLINET is playing an important role in the validation and in the full exploitation of the CALIPSO mission. EARLINET started correlative measurements for CALIPSO si nce June 2006. A strategy for correlative measurements has been defined on the base of the analysis of the high re solution ground track data provid ed by NASA. Results in terms of comparisons between EARLINET and available CALIPSO pr oducts, both level 1 and level 2 data, are presented. Keywords: Lidar, aerosol, clouds, EARLINET, CALIPSO

The size-resolved iron-containing atmospheric aerosol was measured by Mössbauer spectroscopy. The particulate matter (PM) was size-segregated into aerosol2.5μm in diameter (fine fraction, PM2.5) and aerosol2.5 μm (coarse fraction). The Mössbauer spectra at room temperature show components assigned to mono- and polymeric species which are products related to hydrolysis of ferric solutions in the atmosphere. In order to extract reliable information regarding the quadrupole splittings necessary for identification of iron-containing compounds, the histogram method was used for evaluation of the Mössbauer spectra. The value and distribution of quadrupole splitting (QS) parameters obtained by this method suggests that the ultra fine particles (10 nm) identified as a ferrihydrite, hematite and goethite were observed in the spectra both in fine and coarse fraction of the collected aerosol. However, the content of the individual chemical components was different for each fraction. The least crystalline form of ferrihydrite (QS≅0.85 mm) was observed in PM2.5 fraction more frequently than in the coarse fraction. The content of the ultra fine hematite particles which presence was confirmed in low temperature measurements was also larger in PM2.5 fraction than in the coarse fraction. Superparamagnetic behavior of iron-containing atmospheric aerosol was observed in low temperature Mössbauer spectra.

The history of ozone observations at Belsk (51.84°N, 20.79°E) is shortly described and the results of a novel statistical model are presented to show various aspects of the long-term variability of Belsk’s ozone in the period 1963–2012. The model stems from previous experiences of the Department of the Atmospheric Physics, Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences (IGF PAS), in the statistical modeling of the ozone layer. The analysis corroborates our earlier finding of the first stage of the ozone recovery over Belsk, i.e., a weakening of the negative ozone trend there. The second stage of the ozone recovery, i.e., an appearance of the statistically significant positive trend in series having had removed the “natural variability”, could not be yet announced. Generally, the long-term variability of the Belsk’s total ozone follows the anthropogenic trend, which is forced by changes of the man-made ozone depleting substances concentration in the mid-stratosphere. It provides a strong support for the effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol 1987 (and its subsequent amendments) regulations for protection of the ozone layer. The slowing down of the ozone recovery and the first sign of returning back to the negative tendency, which previously existed in the period 1980–1996, are found in the Belsk’s ozone time series since 2005, especially in the summer data. Such changes in the ozone layer are of special interest as they will induce an increase of the ground level solar UV-B intensity in the season of the naturally high UV radiation and frequent outdoor activity. Thus, in spite of evidence of the ongoing ozone recovery over the globe, the ozone issue, especially its local aspect, still needs attention of both scientists and public.