On the origin of seasonal variation of aerosol optical thickness in UV range over Belsk,Poland

Aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and seasonal variation of AOT over Belsk, Poland, in the UV wavelength range (310–380 nm) have been analysed using results of measurements by Brewer spectrophotometer No. 064 and Cimel sunphotometer data for the 2002–2007 period. The comparison of AOT derived from direct Sun measurements by Brewer spectrophotometer in the 310–320 nm range and retrieved from Cimel measurements at longer wavelengths shows good correlation (R = 0.96), with overestimation of retrieved values compared to the measured ones by about 6%. Basing on aerosol microphysical properties taken from almucantar retrievals and Mie theory, optical properties of aerosol in the UV range has been calculated. Analysis of seasonal variation of AOT at Belsk reveals two maxima: in April and July–August. Analysis of back-trajectories in conjunction with analysis of fire maps from Fire Information For Resource Management System shows that these seasonal maxima are connected with seasonal biomass burning in Eastern and Southern Europe.