Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2092
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2092
27 May 2025
 | 27 May 2025

Examining the characteristics of aerosols: a statistical analysis based on a decade of lidar and photometer observations at the Eastern border of ACTRIS

Doina Nicolae, Gabriela-Ancuta Ciocan, Anca Nemuc, Victor Nicolae, Camelia Talianu, Jeni Vasilescu, Alexandru Dandocsi, Cristian Radu, Marius-Mihai Cazacu, Viorel Vulturescu, and Livio Belegante

Abstract. A decade-long (2015–2024) analysis of aerosol properties was conducted at RADO-Bucharest station in Romania a key atmospheric observational site at the Eastern border of the Aerosol, Clouds and Trace gases Research Infra-structure (ACTRIS). This study aims to characterize the optical and microphysical properties of aerosols, classify predominant aerosol types, and investigate their seasonal variability and transport pathways based on long-term multiwavelength Raman lidar and sun/sky/lunar photometer measurements.

Results indicate a dominance of fine-mode aerosols, with an average Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) of ~0.2 and Ӓngström Exponent (AE) values between 1.5–2.0, highlighting pollution-driven aerosol regimes. Seasonal variations were observed, with continental aerosols prevailing in winter, dust transport peaking in spring (altitudes of 2–8 km), and biomass-burning aerosols increasing during summer. Marine aerosols were occasionally detected at ~2 km altitude, often mixed with dust.

Analysis of 408 aerosol layers using the NATALI (Neural network Aerosol Typing Algorithm based on LIdar data) identified complex aerosol mixtures, with 63 high-resolution cases revealing a predominance of “dust polluted” and “continental smoke” types.

Lidar-derived extinction Ӓngström coefficients (median ~0.9 in the low troposphere) and lidar ratios (~48 sr in the low troposphere, ~49 sr in the high troposphere) suggest varying optical properties linked to aerosol composition and absorption characteristics.

FLEXPART (FLEXible PARTicle dispersion model) retro-plume simulations provided insights into aerosol source regions and transport patterns showing contributions from local emissions, long-range transported desert dust, and biomass burning events from Europe and North America.

These findings emphasize the persistent influence of regional pollution and transported aerosols on air quality and climate. The integration of ground-based remote sensing and advanced retrieval algorithms like NATALI provides a robust framework for aerosol characterization, enhancing climate models and air quality assessments.

Competing interests: One author is member of the editorial board of Sun-photometric measurements of aerosols: harmonization, comparisons, synergies, effects, and applications (AMT/ACP inter-journal SI)

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

17 Feb 2026
Examining the characteristics of aerosols: a statistical analysis based on a decade of lidar and photometer observations at the Eastern border of ACTRIS
Doina Nicolae, Gabriela-Ancuta Ciocan, Anca Nemuc, Victor Nicolae, Camelia Talianu, Jeni Vasilescu, Alexandru Dandocsi, Cristian Radu, Marius-Mihai Cazacu, Viorel Vulturescu, and Livio Belegante
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 19, 1179–1199, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-1179-2026,https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-1179-2026, 2026
Short summary
Doina Nicolae, Gabriela-Ancuta Ciocan, Anca Nemuc, Victor Nicolae, Camelia Talianu, Jeni Vasilescu, Alexandru Dandocsi, Cristian Radu, Marius-Mihai Cazacu, Viorel Vulturescu, and Livio Belegante

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2092', Anonymous Referee #1, 14 Jul 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Anca Nemuc, 30 Nov 2025
  • RC2: 'Review on egusphere-2025-2092', Anonymous Referee #2, 29 Aug 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Anca Nemuc, 30 Nov 2025

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2092', Anonymous Referee #1, 14 Jul 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Anca Nemuc, 30 Nov 2025
  • RC2: 'Review on egusphere-2025-2092', Anonymous Referee #2, 29 Aug 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Anca Nemuc, 30 Nov 2025

Peer review completion

AR – Author's response | RR – Referee report | ED – Editor decision | EF – Editorial file upload
AR by Anca Nemuc on behalf of the Authors (30 Nov 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (02 Dec 2025) by Sophie Vandenbussche
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (08 Dec 2025)
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (17 Dec 2025)
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (17 Dec 2025) by Sophie Vandenbussche
AR by Anca Nemuc on behalf of the Authors (22 Dec 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish subject to technical corrections (05 Jan 2026) by Sophie Vandenbussche
AR by Anca Nemuc on behalf of the Authors (13 Jan 2026)  Author's response   Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

17 Feb 2026
Examining the characteristics of aerosols: a statistical analysis based on a decade of lidar and photometer observations at the Eastern border of ACTRIS
Doina Nicolae, Gabriela-Ancuta Ciocan, Anca Nemuc, Victor Nicolae, Camelia Talianu, Jeni Vasilescu, Alexandru Dandocsi, Cristian Radu, Marius-Mihai Cazacu, Viorel Vulturescu, and Livio Belegante
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 19, 1179–1199, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-1179-2026,https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-1179-2026, 2026
Short summary
Doina Nicolae, Gabriela-Ancuta Ciocan, Anca Nemuc, Victor Nicolae, Camelia Talianu, Jeni Vasilescu, Alexandru Dandocsi, Cristian Radu, Marius-Mihai Cazacu, Viorel Vulturescu, and Livio Belegante
Doina Nicolae, Gabriela-Ancuta Ciocan, Anca Nemuc, Victor Nicolae, Camelia Talianu, Jeni Vasilescu, Alexandru Dandocsi, Cristian Radu, Marius-Mihai Cazacu, Viorel Vulturescu, and Livio Belegante

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Short summary
Over the past decade, researchers at RADO-Bucharest have measured and analyzed aerosol properties to understand their optical and microphysical characteristics, seasonal variability, and transport pathways. Using advanced lidar and photometer techniques the study reveals that fine-mode aerosols dominate, with pollution-driven regimes and seasonal influences by dust, biomass burning, and marine sources highlighting the impact of regional pollution and long-range transport on local air quality.
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