Coupled Dynamics of Aerosols and Greenhouse Gases at the Socheongcho Ocean Research Station During High-Concentration Episodes

초록

Highlights What are the main findings? The accuracy of aerosol optical depth (AOD) products derived from the geostationary satellites GK-2B/GEMS and GOCI-II was evaluated using ground-based observations at the Socheongcho Ocean Research Station. Both satellite products demonstrated good agreement with surface measurements; however, a systematic underestimation was identified, with coefficients of determination of R2 = 0.78 for GEMS and R2 = 0.91 for GOCI-II. An integrated analysis of satellite-observed high aerosol loading episodes and surface-observed greenhouse gas concentrations revealed distinct seasonal regimes. Aerosol variability, strongly modulated by temperature and hygroscopic growth, exerted a greater influence during dry summer conditions. Wintertime periods were characterized by stagnant boundary-layer conditions and patterns statistically consistent with regional-scale transport, during which greenhouse gases increased concurrently with PM2.5, CO, and black carbon. What are the implications of the main findings? This study highlights the necessity of an integrated analytical framework for aerosols and greenhouse gases in the Northeast Asian marine environment in which high-accuracy, ground-based observations are integrated with high spatial- and temporal-resolution satellite measurements. Combining satellite and in situ observations is essential for advancing our understanding of aerosol-greenhouse gas interactions and robustly assessing their modulation by meteorological and boundary-layer processes in this region. The proposed integrated observational approach provides a scientific basis for improving the interpretation of satellite retrievals and optimizing regional air quality and climate assessments.Highlights What are the main findings? The accuracy of aerosol optical depth (AOD) products derived from the geostationary satellites GK-2B/GEMS and GOCI-II was evaluated using ground-based observations at the Socheongcho Ocean Research Station. Both satellite products demonstrated good agreement with surface measurements; however, a systematic underestimation was identified, with coefficients of determination of R2 = 0.78 for GEMS and R2 = 0.91 for GOCI-II. An integrated analysis of satellite-observed high aerosol loading episodes and surface-observed greenhouse gas concentrations revealed distinct seasonal regimes. Aerosol variability, strongly modulated by temperature and hygroscopic growth, exerted a greater influence during dry summer conditions. Wintertime periods were characterized by stagnant boundary-layer conditions and patterns statistically consistent with regional-scale transport, during which greenhouse gases increased concurrently with PM2.5, CO, and black carbon. What are the implications of the main findings? This study highlights the necessity of an integrated analytical framework for aerosols and greenhouse gases in the Northeast Asian marine environment in which high-accuracy, ground-based observations are integrated with high spatial- and temporal-resolution satellite measurements. Combining satellite and in situ observations is essential for advancing our understanding of aerosol-greenhouse gas interactions and robustly assessing their modulation by meteorological and boundary-layer processes in this region. The proposed integrated observational approach provides a scientific basis for improving the interpretation of satellite retrievals and optimizing regional air quality and climate assessments. Abstract In this study, continuous near-real-time measurements of greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), and aerosol optical depth (AOD) were conducted at the Socheongcho Ocean Research Station (SORS) from January 2021 to April 2022. Specifically, AOD products retrieved from the Geo-KOMPSAT-2B sensors-Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer and Geostationary Ocean Color Imager II-were compared and validated against ground-based Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) observations. Both satellite products exhibited overall good agreement with AERONET AOD data and showed low bias. The GHG measurements based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy indicated that CO2 reached its highest seasonal mean in the spring of 2022, while CH4 attained its maximum during the wet summer of 2022. Temperature, relative humidity, and evaporation were closely associated with AOD variability during the dry summer period, while elevated temperatures may have contributed to enhanced photochemical activity and modulation of CH4 concentrations. In the cold season, concurrent increases in GHGs and combustion-related pollutants (PM2.5, CO, and black carbon) were observed, suggesting reduced oxidation capacity under stable atmospheric conditions. Overall, these findings underscore the potential value of integrating satellite and in situ observations to better characterize GHG-aerosol interactions and support emission mitigation strategies in the Northeast Asian marine environment.

키워드