Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-546
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-546
17 Apr 2023
 | 17 Apr 2023
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Measurement Techniques (AMT).

Continuous observations from horizontally pointing lidar, weather parameters, and PM2.5: a pre-deployment assessment for monitoring radioactive dust in Fukushima, Japan

Nofel Lagrosas, Kosuke Okubo, Hitoshi Irie, Yutaka Matsumi, Tomoki Nakayama, Yutaka Sugita, Takashi Okada, and Tatsuo Shiina

Abstract. A horizontally pointing lidar is planned for deployment with other instruments in Fukushima, Japan, to continuously monitor and characterize the optical properties of radioactive aerosols and dust in an uninhabited area. Prior to installation, the performance of the lidar is tested at Chiba University. Data from the continuous operation of the lidar from August 2021 to February 2022 are analyzed for extinction and depolarization ratio. These are compared with the weather sensor and particulate matter (PM2.5) measurements to quantify the relationship between atmospheric conditions and optical properties of near-ground aerosols. The results show that lidar data’s extinction coefficient and depolarization ratio can have a quantifiable relationship with relative humidity (RH), absolute humidity, rain rate, wind speed, wind direction, and PM2.5 concentration. Analysis of the seven-month data shows that the optical properties of aerosol and dust depend on the combined effects of the weather parameters. An increase in RH or PM2.5 concentration does not imply an increase in radioactive aerosols. The average extinction coefficient and depolarization ratio of aerosols and dust originating from the land and ocean show different values and opposing trends which can aid in determining the occurrence of ground-based radioactive dust and aerosols. The information obtained from analyzing the interrelationship among lidar, weather parameters, and PM2.5 concentration is essential in assessing the occurrence of radioactive aerosols and characterizing local aerosol-weather relationships in a radioactive area. This result provides essential information in describing radioactive aerosols in Fukushima.

Nofel Lagrosas et al.

Status: open (until 19 Jun 2023)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse

Nofel Lagrosas et al.

Nofel Lagrosas et al.

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Short summary
This work examines the near-ground aerosol-weather relationship from seven-month continuous lidar and weather observations in Chiba, Japan. The optical parameters from lidar data are compared with weather parameters to understand and quantify aerosol-weather relationship and how these optical parameters are affected by weather and season. The results provide insights into analyzing optical properties of radioactive aerosols when the lidar system is continuously operated in a radioactive area.