the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
| 19 Mar 2024
CAECENET: An automatic system processing photometer and ceilometer data from different networks to provide columnar and vertically-resolved aerosol properties
Abstract. This work introduces CAECENET, a new system capable of automatically retrieving columnar and vertically-resolved aerosol properties running the GRASP (Generalized Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties) algorithm using sun-sky photometer (aerosol optical depth, AOD; and sky radiance measurements) and ceilometer (range corrected signal; RCS) data as input. This method, so called GRASPpac, is implemented in CAECENET, which assimilates sun-sky photometers data from CÆLIS database and ceilometer data from ICENET database (Iberian Ceilometer Network). CAECENET allows for continuous and near-real-time monitoring of both vertical and columnar aerosol properties. The main characteristics and workflow of CAECENET are explained in detail. This work also explores the potential of CAECENET to monitor and analyze the evolution of transported aerosol events on a regional scale by means of the distribution of CAECENET stations across the Iberian Peninsula. As an example, this paper analyzes, using the CAECENET products, the case of a Saharan dust outbreak that occurred between the 3rd and 5th of October 2022. This was an intense event, with AOD at 440 nm values around 0.5 in Madrid and Valladolid, and reaching 1.55 in Granada. Transport from the Canadian wildfires at the end of June 2023 is also studied. Despite the long-range transport of the smoke particles in this event, measured volume concentrations reached and surpassed 80 μm3/μm2 in some stations. The results obtained point to the utility of this CAECENET tool for analyzing changes in the height and speed of the event propagation, in the aerosol concentration, and how this affects the optical properties.
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RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-581', Anonymous Referee #1, 02 Apr 2024
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This paper introduced an integrated system called CAECENET that simultaneously provides retrievals of column as well as vertical distribution of aerosol parameters. Two cases were presented representing wildfire and dust respectively, to demonstrate the capability of the system. However, I am not quite clear about the novelty of this work, and do not think the paper is suitable for ACP. At least more detailed description of the method and validation of the results are required.
Major comments:
- It seems the main new contents presented by this study is the CAECENET system. However, it is not clear whether this system is just an integration of existing algorithms, or involves new developments in the retrieval algorithm. Grasp and CAELIS are all existing algorithms, so just integrating the two by adding some data processing/quality control schemes is not novel. Or did the authors make some improvements, e.g., use AOD retrieved by AERONET to constrain ceilometer, or use the RCS from ceilometer to modify the vertical profile assumption in AERONET retrieval? If new technological developments are made in the retrieval algorithm, the manuscript is still better suited for AMT rather than ACP. It is also not clear how the current algorithms are superior to other lidar or photometer retrieval algorithms.
- It is not clear how the profiles of aerosol types, or absorption coefficients are retrieved by the ceilometer?
- The results presented are too simple and lack validation. Only two cases, representing fire and dust, were presented. The aerosol type is only inferred by aerosol parameters (mainly spectral SSA) and back trajectories. There is no direct proof of aerosol type. Also, there is no validation of the profiles. If in situ measurements are not available, at least some collocated lidar or CALIPSO could be used (although these measurements also have large uncertainties, they at least provide some corroborating evidence).
- Physical explanation of the results is also inadequate. For example, the eight sites in the network are quite close but large variations of aerosol properties can be observed, e.g., Figure 3, 8, etc. What are the possible reasons? Are these sites near the source or in the transport regime? Is it related to winds, humidity, etc?
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-581-RC1 -
RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-581', Anonymous Referee #2, 16 Apr 2024
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The manuscript presents a new ground-based retrieval system that provides vertically resolved particle concentration along with effective aerosol intensive properties for the entire atmospheric column. The new CAECENET system applies the existing GRASP_pac retrieval technique to sun-sky photometer data from the CAELIS network in combination with ceilometer data pulled from ICENET. The resulting products are stored in a data archive that includes a data visualization tool. Products are shown to be consistent with physical expectations for two aerosol events that took place of the Iberian Peninsula.
The abundance and low cost of sun-sky photometer and ceilometer observations combined with the complementary nature of these two datasets leads to high potential value for a standardized, synergistic retrieval product that makes use of both of these measurements. CAECENET appears to generate this product in an automated, consistent manner and stores the result in a data archive that includes visualization tool. While this could be a valuable contribution to the community, as far as I can tell, this new tool is composed only of previously published algorithms (GRASP_pac) and observational databases (CAELIS and ICENET). Given the lack of new algorithmic development and limited scientific analysis presented I do not think the manuscript is suitable for ACP.
A journal like AMT may be a more appropriate choice, however the novelty of the work still needs to be more clearly emphasized and rigorous validation (e.g., comparisons with airborne in situ measurements) should to be included. Additionally, the database content and visualization tool need to be more comprehensively described, including an explanation of where potential users can go to obtain the new tools and datasets (preferably a dedicated website).
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-581-RC2 -
EC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-581', Ivy Tan, 16 Apr 2024
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Dear Dr. Celia Herrero del Barrio,
Thank you for submitting your manuscript entitled “CAECENET: An automatic system processing photometer and ceilometer data from different networks to provide columnar and vertically-resolved aerosol properties” to Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. I am now in receipt of two reviews of your manuscript. Based on these reviews, I regret to inform you that the manuscript is rejected for publication in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics.
While the new CAECENET system may offer potential value, both reviewers raised concerns about the lack of clarity in terms of the novelty of the system, and recommend a more comprehensive description of the methods, as well as more comprehensive validation and scientific analyses of the data. Both reviewers also suggest that your manuscript may be better suited for Atmospheric Measurement Techniques after these concerns have been addressed.
Thank you for your interest in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics.
Sincerely,
Ivy Tan
Editor
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-581-EC1
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