23STUDENT Investigating the Spatiotemporal Variations of the PBL in the Central Valley Using Ceilometer Backscatter Observations

The planetary boundary layer (PBL) profoundly affects the air quality, weather development, and climate in California’s Central Valley (CV). The PBL height (PBLH) in the CV is greatly influenced by the heterogeneity of the surface properties, such as desert versus croplands, and the surrounding mountain’s thermodynamic and dynamic effects. However, due to the high spatial and temporal PBLH variation and a scarcity of radiosonde stations in the CV for regular PBLH observations, an alternative approach using remotely sensed data is crucial for studying and predicting the PBLH. In light of this, our study aims to develop a PBLH detection algorithm using California Air Resources Board’s (CARB’s) aerosol backscatter data. This data is sourced from six ceilometers located within the CV and one located outside. By compiling extensive PBLH data at each location, we will investigate the spatiotemporal variations of PBLH in the CV on multiple scales, including diurnal, seasonal and annual cycles. These efforts are key to improving the modeling of air quality in CV, California.