Influence of the trajectory of air masses on the in situ measurements of aerosol properties in Valencia

pp. 35-41
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10.3369/tethys.2012.9.04
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We analyzed the influence of the trajectory of air masses on the in situ measurements of aerosol properties (scattering and backscattering coefficients and scattering Ångström exponent) in Valencia (Spain) for the March 2006 to December 2009 period. The scattering (σsp) and backscattering (σbsp) coefficients were measured with a TSI 3563 integrating nephelometer. From the σsp and σbsp measurements, it is also possible to calculate the scattering Ångström exponent (αs). By classifying the source regions of air masses by sectors, it has been possible to establish the dependence of aerosol properties on the type of dominant air mass, proving that in situ measurements of aerosol properties are parameters that are sensitive to the type of air mass. The highest values of scattering and backscattering coefficients are obtained under the influence of masses from North Africa and the European continent, while the lowest are obtained for Arctic-type air masses. The scattering Ångström exponent presents its highest values under the influence of European-type masses, while the lowest values are obtained for Arctic and Polar type masses.

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Partially funded through grants CGL2007-29820-E/CLI, CGL2008-02804-E/, CGL2009-07417-E and CGL2011-14046-E of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation