AEROSOL OPTICAL DEPTH OVER THE OCEANS - ANALYSIS IN TERMS OF SYNOPTICAIR-MASS TYPES

The results of spectral aerosol optical depth measurements in the Paci fic Ocean, Baltic Sea, and North Atlantic are considered with regard t o air mass types. It is found that the optical properties of continent al and maritime air mass types differ significantly for the data emplo yed in this study, A synoptical air mass context was also employed in demonstrating the correlation between near infrared aerosol optical de pth tau(alpha)(1640 nm) and wind speed as well as for investigations i nto the relationship between deck level relative humidity and the aero sol optical depth at 550 nm. Simulations, employing well-known aerosol parameterization models, of the aerosol optical depth spectra for var ious air mass types show good agreement with the experimental results in the visible and near infrared range.