Precipitation-Induced Aerosol Reduction Using MPLNET Lidar and Micro-Rain radar observations

^(a) CNR-IMAA, Contrada S. Loja snc, 85050 Tito Scalo (PZ), Italy
^(b) GESTAR II-UMBC 1200 Hilltop Circle, 21252, Baltimore, MD, USA
^(c) Department of Applied Physics - Meteorology, University of Barcelona, Spain
^(d) UTG Campus de Vilanova i la Geltrú, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain
^(e) Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Spain
^(f) Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Grace Hopper Ave, Monterey, CA 93943, USA
^(g) NASA GSFC Code 612, Greenbelt, 20771, MD, USA This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 9 April 2026

Abstract

The role of precipitation in aerosol removal is crucial for accurate climate modelling and environmental management. The purpose of this study is to combine NASA's Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) lidar observations with micro-rain radar profiles to study the effects of precipitation on aerosol load in the atmosphere. The MPLNET lidar data are collected from NASA's Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya permanent observation site. Analysis of aerosol scattering before and after precipitation revealed significant changes backscattering vertical profile shape of data distribution. This study provides quantitative insights into the influence of precipitation on atmospheric aerosols and demonstrates the impact of rain by studying changes in backscatter profiles. The results of this research will make a significant contribution to the field of atmospheric science, particularly in enhancing our understanding of the interaction of aerosols, clouds and precipitation.