Revisiting CCN Retrievals from Spaceborne Lidar Observations during ACEMED: The Important Role of Smoke

We present an improved algorithm based on the POlarization LIdar PHOtometer Networking (POLIPHON) method to retrieve cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentration profiles from spaceborne lidar observations. Our previous paper, which was the first study to demonstrate the feasibility of using measurements from Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) to retrieve CCN, is revisited. Our results focus on the Evaluation of CALIPSO’s Aerosol Classification scheme over Eastern Mediterranean (ACEMED) research campaign that took place over Thessaloniki, Greece, in September 2011. We compare our results with our earlier retrievals, discussing the critical changes that have been made and the importance of using the proper conversions factors. We also demonstrate the use of conversion factors acquired based on CALIPSO aerosol typing for CCN retrievals. The analysis highlights the strong influence of smoke on CCN concentrations and shows that the assumed aging state of the smoke can significantly alter the retrieval outcome.