Long term measurements of atmospheric aerosol optical properties in the Eastern Mediterranean

Optical properties of atmospheric aerosol particles have been recorded at a remote location of the Eastern Mediterranean on a continuous basis since 2000. Measurements of aerosol scattering coefficient (bsp) and absorption coefficient (bap) have been conducted, providing the longest data series of such ground based measurements in the Eastern Mediterranean basin. bsp shows an annual cycle with maximum values observed during summer and minimum during winter. In addition, in periods when mineral dust is transported into the area, high values are observed. It has been shown that both the level and the annual variation of bsp can be well represented if ammonium sulfate (AS) and particulate organic matter (POM) are assumed as the only scattering species in the aerosol phase. bap was measured at three wavelengths using two different instruments and a single wavelength data series was extracted. Maximum values of bap were observed during summer and during periods with extended dust transport to the area. If mineral dust particles are present in the atmosphere they can contribute up to 80% of bap levels at the visible wavelengths.