Continuous observations from horizontally pointing lidar, weather parameters, and PM_2.5: a pre-deployment assessment for monitoring radioactive dust in Fukushima, Japan

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 (PM_2.5) 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 PM_2.5 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 PM_2.5 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 PM_2.5 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.