Aerosol Remote Sensing

The Aerosol Remote Sensing Laboratory is a high-performance ACTRIS-compliant facility specializing in advanced lidar and photometric observations. Operational since 2005, with full quality assurance implemented from 2015, the laboratory provides continuous profiling of aerosol layers throughout the troposphere.

Using multi-wavelength and depolarization lidar systems, the facility retrieves detailed optical properties of airborne particles, enabling aerosol type identification and monitoring of their vertical distribution and long-range transport. Findings over the past decade reveal distinct differences in aerosol characteristics between lower and upper troposphere layers, with the lower atmosphere frequently influenced by smoke from local agricultural burning and polluted continental air masses, while higher layers often contain aged smoke, mineral dust from desert regions, or complex mixtures. The site regularly detects elevated smoke layers in spring and summer, as well as sporadic intrusions of Saharan dust.

Title: RALI LiDAR. Copyright: The Remote Sensing Department of INOE 2000

Title: RALI LiDAR. Copyright: The Remote Sensing Department of INOE 2000

Using multi-wavelength and depolarization lidar systems, the facility retrieves detailed optical properties of airborne particles, enabling aerosol type identification and monitoring of their vertical distribution and long-range transport. Findings over the past decade reveal distinct differences in aerosol characteristics between lower and upper troposphere layers, with the lower atmosphere frequently influenced by smoke from local agricultural burning and polluted continental air masses, while higher layers often contain aged smoke, mineral dust from desert regions, or complex mixtures. The site regularly detects elevated smoke layers in spring and summer, as well as sporadic intrusions of Saharan dust.

Complementing lidar data, the co-located photometer supports aerosol classification based on optical depth, particle size, and absorption properties. Cluster analysis confirms continental and polluted aerosols as dominant, with occasional presence of marine, dust, and biomass burning types.

Title: Sun-Lunar Photometer. Copyright: The Remote Sensing Department of INOE 2000

The laboratory also hosts the Lidar Calibration Laboratory, part of the ACTRIS Centre for Aerosol Remote Sensing, responsible for ensuring measurement quality across the network and supporting the development of new lidar technologies.

Together, the two facilities maintain a mobile (MILI) and a fixed (ALPHA) reference lidar system, as well as an optical lab for in-depth instrument calibration. This integrated approach supports regional and international efforts in atmospheric research, model validation, and satellite calibration.

Title: ALPHA LiDAR. Copyright: The Remote Sensing Department of INOE 2000

Scroll to Top