Characterization of Sub-Arctic Aerosols at ALOMAR (69 N,16 E) using Sun Photometer Measurements (2002-2007)

The Atmospheric Optics Group (GOA-UVA) at the University of Valladolid has carried out seven field campaigns to investigate Sub-Arctic aerosols. The measurements have been made between 2002 and 2007 at the Arctic Lidar Observatory for Middle Atmosphere Research (ALOMAR), Andoya Rocket Range, Norway (69 N, 16 E, elev. 380 m) in order to investigate the main characteristics of the columnar aerosol properties in this area. Different sun photometers and spectroradiometers have been used for this purpose. The main systems have been sun photometer from Cimel. From the measurements we can retrieve the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the derived Angstrom exponent (alpha) and provide information on pollution and Arctic haze events in the region. The optical properties are analyzed jointly with air mass back trajectories in order to investigate the prevailing aerosol types and determine the origin of the aerosols. Routine measurements carried out since 2006, in collaboration with NILU and ALOMAR, will provide better statistic and will lead to an improved characterization of Sub-Arctic aerosols in the near future.