LIDAR Observations of Aerosols
Abstract
As part of a wider project incorporating ground based aerosol measurements of particulate matter emitted by mining operations, a laser ranging system was constructed and operated at Cheshunt Park in the Upper Hunter coal mining
region of NSW. The Light Detection And Ranging, (LIDAR), system utilised a 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser and thus was sensitive to particle sizes larger than ~0.5mm diameter, as dictated by Mie scattering theory, within ranges of 150 to
3000 m from the lidar.
Measurements of aerosol backscatter were made over several days during October and December 2003. Analysis of the data revealed an expected diurnal variation in the convective boundary layer as well as recording the coupling of atmospheric layers in the early morning, and air mass changes with changing wind direction and meteorological events. The LIDAR data
correlated well with Grimm measurements of PM10 and PM2.5 over similar time periods and in particular with the anthropogenic plume from a surface-mining dragline machine.
The general conclusion from the measurements is that the Upper Hunter atmosphere remains relatively clean despite the aerosol loading of particular events inextricably linked with mining activity.
Authors
John Holdsworth, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Newcastle, NSW
Matthew Pickett, Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd, Newcastle, NSW
Stuart Young, CSIRO Atmospheric Research, Aspendale, Vic
Howard Bridgman, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, NSW