Estimation of black carbon emissions from Siberian fires using satellite observations of absorption and extinction optical depths

摘要: Abstract. Black carbon (BC) emissions from open biomass burning (BB) are known to have a considerable impact on the radiative budget of atmosphere at both global and regional scales; however, these poorly constrained in models by atmospheric observations, especially remote regions. Here, we investigate the feasibility constraining BC BB using satellite observations of aerosol absorption optical depth (AAOD) and extinction optical (AOD) retrieved OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) and MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) measurements, respectively. We consider case Siberian emissions, which have the strong potential Arctic climate system. Using remote sensing data collected sites AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) along with results fourth Fire Lab Missoula Experiment (FLAME-4), establish an empirical parameterization relating the ratio elemental (EC) organic (OC) contents BB aerosol ratio AAOD AOD wavelengths satellite observations. Applying this OC column amounts simulated CHIMERE chemistry transport model, optimize the parameters emission model based MODIS measurements fire radiative power (FRP); then obtain top-down optimized estimates total monthly amounts emitted intense fires that occurred from May September 2012. The compared corresponding values obtained Global Emissions Database (GFED4) Fire Emission Inventory–northern Eurasia (FEI-NE). Our simulations the optimized verified against that were withheld estimation procedure. further evaluated situ EC Zotino Tall Tower Observatory (ZOTTO) also aircraft measurement collected in framework Airborne Extensive Regional Observations SIBeria (YAK-AEROSIB) experiments. We conclude our estimates, considered their confidence intervals, are consistent ensemble analyzed study. Siberian found emit 0.41±0.14 Tg over the whole 5-month period considered; estimate is a factor 2 larger and 1.5 smaller than corresponding estimates based GFED4 (0.20  ) FEI-NE (0.61  data, respectively. monthly be larger calculated than those for any 5 months. Particularly large positive differences respect to May September. This finding indicates that the database likely strongly underestimate from agricultural burns grass Siberia. All have important implications change Arctic, as it that about quarter huge mass Siberia during fire season 2012 was transported across polar circle into Arctic. Overall, analysis indicate combination the available observations can provide necessary constraints emissions.