Measurements of surface aerosol optical properties in winter of Shanghai

Aerosol optical properties were continuously measured at an urban site in Shanghai of China from December 2010 to March 2011, and aerosol scattering (σscat) and absorption (σabs) coefficients and single scattering albedo (SSA) were examined. During the entire period, mean σscat, σabs, SSA were 293 Mm− 1, 66 Mm− 1 and 0.81, respectively. Higher σscat and σabs occurred in December while relatively lower values were observed in March, and SSA was just opposite to them. σscat and σabs coefficients behaved an apparent bi-peak pattern in diurnal variation: maxima of 319, 76 Mm− 1 at 8:00 LT during traffic rush hours and sub-maxima of 280, 71 Mm− 1 at 20:00 LT. SSA also behaved a bi-peak diurnal cycle with maximum 0.85 at 13:00 LT and sub-maximum 0.82 at 4:00 LT. σscat and σabs coefficients showed a clear negative correlation with atmospheric visibility. PM2.5 and black carbon were major contributors to large optical parameters because their concentrations were 2 times higher during haze episode than in clean days. σscat and σabs were low in magnitude when northeasterly winds bring “clean” air from the China Yellow Sea arriving the observation site, and were relatively high when air masses from the north or northwest pass through continental areas or/and industrial regions, indicating impacts of various aerosol origins on aerosol optical properties.

► Mean aerosol scattering and absorbing coefficients and SSA are 0.81, 292.81 and 65.81 Mm− 1.
► Diurnal variation of aerosol optical parameters exhibits a bi-peak pattern.
► Aerosol optical parameters closely link with PM2.5, BC contributors.
► Aerosol optical properties were negatively correlated with atmospheric visibility.
► Air from different origins is useful for enhancing or reducing aerosol scattering and absorption.