Variable names for BSC model output

[markusfiebig]

Define ACTRIS variable names for at least:

• dust optical depth at 550nm (instantaneous)
• dust load (instantaneous)
• surface dust concentration (instantaneous)
• surface dust extinction (instantaneous)
• dry deposition (3-hourly accumulated)
• wet deposition (3-hourly accumulated)

[markusfiebig]

Questions:

• How is "load" defined?
• What type of "concentration" is meant?

[fbeninca]

Hello @markusfiebig here all variables descriptions:

• dust optical depth at 550nm (instantaneous) - dimensionless

Effective depth of the dust-aerosol column from the viewpoint of radiation propagation. It corresponds to the integrated extinction coefficient over a vertical column.

• dust load (instantaneous) - g/m2

Accumulated mass concentration of dust (and sand) in the vertical column of the atmosphere.

• surface dust concentration (instantaneous) - µg/m3

Mass concentration of dust particles in the atmosphere at surface level.

• surface dust extinction (instantaneous) - Mm^-1

The sum of scattering and absorption of solar and infrared radiation by dust (and sand) at surface level.

• dry deposition (3-hourly accumulated) - mg/m2

Accumulated dry dust deposition over the previous 3 hours. Dry deposition processes consider the removal of dust (and sand) by sedimentation and turbulent diffusion.

• wet deposition (3-hourly accumulated) - mg/m2

Accumulated dry dust deposition over the previous 3 hours. Dry deposition processes consider the removal of dust (and sand) by sedimentation and turbulent diffusion.

Hope it helps!

Thanks! Francesco.