Maritime aerosol network as a component of AERONET – first results and comparison with global aerosol models and satellite retrievals

Abstract

The Maritime Aerosol Network (MAN) has been collecting data over the oceans since November 2006. Over 80 cruises were completed through early 2010 with deployments continuing. Measurements areas included various parts of the Atlantic Ocean, the Northern and Southern Pacific Ocean, the South Indian Ocean, the South Ocean, and inland seas (Baltic, Black, and Mediterranean). MAN deploys Microtops hand-held sunphotometers and utilizes a calibration procedure and data processing traceable to AERONET. Data collection included areas that previously had no aerosol optical depth (AOD) coverage at all, particularly vast areas of the South Ocean. The MAN data archive provides a valuable resource for aerosol studies in maritime environments.