Work

CCN Retrievals from Spaceborne Lidar Observations During ACEMED: Sensitivity to Smoke Parameterization

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We present an improved algorithm based on the POlarization LIdar PHOtometer Networking (POLIPHON) method to retrieve cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentration profiles from spaceborne lidar observations. Our previous paper, which was the first study to demonstrate the feasibility of using measurements from Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) to retrieve CCN is revisited. Our results focus on the Evaluation of CALIPSO’s Aerosol Classification scheme over Eastern Mediterranean (ACEMED) research campaign that took place over Thessaloniki, Greece, in September 2011. We compare our results with our earlier retrievals, discussing the critical changes that have been made and the importance of using the proper conversions factors. We also demonstrate the use of conversion factors acquired based on CALIPSO aerosol typing for CCN retrievals. The analysis highlights the strong influence of smoke on CCN concentrations and shows that the assumed aging state of the smoke can significantly alter the retrieval outcome.

Source: Remote Sensing

DOI: 10.3390/rs18040586

Authors: Aristeidis K. Georgoulias, Elina Giannakaki, Archontoula Karageorgopoulou, George Tatos, Emmanouil Proestakis, Vassilis Amiridis

Institutions: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, National Observatory of Athens, Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing

Language: English

Topic: Atmospheric aerosols and clouds

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258