Horizontal Observations of Boundary Layer Aerosol Dynamics in New York City Using a Scanning Micro Pulse Lidar

In order to better understand population exposure to particulate pollution, it is of great importance to observe and analyze the behavior of the aerosol spatial distribution and dynamics. This work presents horizontal range-resolved observations of aerosols in New York City, with high spatial and temporal resolution, performed using a scanning eye-safe micro pulse lidar. Areas of interest for this study include regions with groups of people highly sensitive to pollution, and sources of emissions from power generation stations. Lidar inversion strategies are investigated to retrieve aerosol extinction coefficient from the attenuated backscatter profiles obtained from the micro pulse lidar, as this quantity provides a more accurate representation of the aerosol distribution. Results are presented as aerosol extinction coefficient maps that display the aerosol spatial distribution within the field of view of the scanning pattern deployed. The case studies presented here clearly resolve aerosol distribution and dynamics, as well as, emission sources within the urban landscape. Furthermore, these observations complement and support measurements from other remote sensing instruments (e.g. satellite and ground based radiometers) and in-situ samplers, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis.