Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4270
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4270
04 Sep 2025
 | 04 Sep 2025
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Measurement Techniques (AMT).

How does humidity affect lidar-derived aerosol optical properties, and how do they compare with CAMS?

Frédéric Laly, Patrick Chazette, Julien Totems, Vincent Crenn, David Ledur, and Alexandre Marpillat

Abstract. From May to August 2020 and during summer 2024, aerosol backscatter and relative humidity profiles were measured in the Paris region using the Water Vapour and Aerosol Lidar (WALI). The campaigns included observations on the Saclay plateau (48°42’42’’ N / 2°8’52’’ E) and in Paris (48°50’12’’ N / 2°20’10’’) during the 2024 Olympic Games. The high vertical (15 m) and temporal (15 min) resolution of WALI allow study of aerosol optical properties and water vapour under stable atmospheric conditions. This study focuses on characterizing aerosol hygroscopic growth using lidar derived backscatter coefficients as a function of relative humidity. Eight case studies were selected where the potential temperature gradient was neutral and the water vapor mixing ratio was constant with height. These include long range pollution transport from the Benelux region, low hygroscopic aerosol events, and a sea salt-pollution mixture episode. Hygroscopicity was assessed using CAMS model analyses and reanalyses, allowing attribution of chemical composition to observed optical changes. Good agreement was found between lidar-derived hygroscopic properties and CAMS-inferred aerosol types. Lidar growth factors ranged from 0.3 to 1.5, with higher values linked to sea salt presence, consistent with literature values. Aerosols hygroscopicity is also studied using Mie's theory, as aerosols can be considered nearly spherical. Differences between extinction and backscatter-based growth retrievals are interpreted through Hänel’s formalism. The results demonstrate the capability of Raman lidar to constrain aerosol hygroscopicity, offering valuable input to chemistry-transport models and helping to reduce uncertainties in climate projections related to aerosol-cloud interactions.

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.
Share
Frédéric Laly, Patrick Chazette, Julien Totems, Vincent Crenn, David Ledur, and Alexandre Marpillat

Status: open (until 10 Oct 2025)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
Frédéric Laly, Patrick Chazette, Julien Totems, Vincent Crenn, David Ledur, and Alexandre Marpillat
Frédéric Laly, Patrick Chazette, Julien Totems, Vincent Crenn, David Ledur, and Alexandre Marpillat

Viewed

Total article views: 50 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
49 1 0 50 0 0
  • HTML: 49
  • PDF: 1
  • XML: 0
  • Total: 50
  • BibTeX: 0
  • EndNote: 0
Views and downloads (calculated since 04 Sep 2025)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 04 Sep 2025)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 50 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 50 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 07 Sep 2025
Download
Short summary
This article presents the evolution of aerosol optical properties as derived from a Raman lidar in relation to relative humidity over the Paris area. It examines the influence of aerosol chemical compounds linked to air mass origins, as well as their relationship with the efficiency of aerosol growth. Such a study provides a better understanding of the interactions between aerosols and water vapour, which is important for reducing the uncertainties surrounding the Earth's radiative balance.
Share