The vertical aerosol type distribution above Israel – 2 years of lidar observations at the coastal city of Haifa

Abstract. For the first time, vertically resolved long-term lidar measurements of aerosol distribution were conducted in Haifa, Israel. The performed by a PollyXT multi–wavelength Raman and polarization lidar. was measuring continuously over 2-year period from March 2017 to May 2019. resulting data set is series manually evaluated optical property profiles. To identify types observed layers, novel typing method that developed at TROPOS used. This applies optimal estimation combination lidar-derived intensive properties determine statistically most-likely contribution per component terms relative volume. A case study shows several elevated layers illustrates this shows, for example, coarse dust particles are up 5 km height From whole set, seasonal components Israel derived. Throughout all seasons, spherical like sea salt hygroscopically grown continental observed. These originate Europe transported Mediterranean Sea. Sea-salt frequently due coastal site Haifa. highest contributions present summer, autumn, winter. During spring, mostly non-spherical attributed desert consistent with distinct season spring An automated time–height-resolved air mass source attribution identifies origin Sahara Arabian deserts. Fine-mode contribute significantly mixture during seasons. mainly industrial region bay