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SSF-Svalbard Science Forum

Re-evaluation and Homogenization of Aerosol Optical Depth Observations in Svalbard

Awarded: NOK 0.49 mill.

Project Number:

311250

Project Period:

2020 - 2022

Funding received from:

The main purpose of this project is to integrate observations of atmospheric parameters of great importance for climate change (aerosol optical depth, aerosol Ångstrøm exponent, aerosol black carbon content) in and around Svalbard. These observations have been performed at different places and with different instrument types, the analysis and data aggregation procedures of which follow different protocols. The long-term operation of most of these instruments in Ny-Ålesund allows an optimal homogenization of the various data sets under these challenging conditions (which may not be caught by the protocols designed for global operation). A successful completion of this project will provide an extremely valuable homogenized aerosol data set from potentially 3 sites over a time period of almost 30 years plus offshore observations over a 10-year period. We intend to provide this dataset to the SIOS Data Management System (SDMS) for network-wide use, e.g., in Arctic climate and pollution studies. Moreover, the project will be an important contribution to advance efforts in the Ny-Ålesund Atmospheric flagship programme and its integration with atmospheric activities throughout the Svalbard region by linking the homogenized aerosol observations at Ny-Ålesund with observations in Hornsund, annual research cruises by Polish research vessels around Svalbard, and, hopefully, AOD observations in Barentsburg. In Ny-Ålesund, two topics are addressed besides the homogenisation of the various long-term observation series: (1) the introduction of new instruments to continue existing programs (CIMEL replacing SP2H at AWIPEV), and to expand the measurement program (Pandora spectrometer, providing trace gases in addition to AOD); (2) the integration of column observations (AOD) with in-situ observations of black carbon at sea level and at the Zeppelin Observatory at 475 m a.s.l..

Publications from Cristin

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Funding scheme:

SSF-Svalbard Science Forum