Towards an instrumental harmonization in the framework of LALINET: dataset of technical specifications

J. L. GUERRERO-RASCADO; E. LANDULFO; J. C. ANTUÑA; M. J. BARBOSA; B. BARJA; A. E. BASTIDAS; A. E. BEDOYA; R. DA COSTA; R. ESTEVAN; R. N. FORNO; D. A. GOUVEIA; C. JIMÉNEZ; D. NISPERUZA; LIDIA ANA OTERO; JUAN PALLOTTA; SEBASTÍAN PAPANDREA; EZEQUIEL PAWELKO; PABLO ROBERTO RISTORI; EDUARDO QUEL; P. F. RODRIGUES; JACOBO SALVADOR; M. F. SÁNCHEZ; A. SILVA

SPIE

Editores: Upendra N. Singh; Gelsomina Pappalardo

Año: 2014 vol. 9246

0277-786X

Latin American Lidar Network (LALINET, previously known as ALINE) is the aerosol lidar network operating over South America. LALINET is now an operative network performing a schedule of routine measurements since September 2013 and, currently, is composed by 9 stations distributed over South America. The main objective of LALINET is to generate a consistent and statistically relevant database to enhance the understanding of the particle distribution over the continent and its direct and indirect influence on climate. The creation of an un-biased spatiotemporal database requires a throughout review of the network on two pillars: instrumentation and data processing. Because most of the LALINET systems are not series-produced instruments and, therefore, present large differences in configuration and capabilities, attempts for network harmonization and, consequently, optimization are mandatory. In this study a review of the current instrumental status of all LALINET systems is done and analyzed in detail in order to assess the potential performance of the network and to detect networking weaknesses