What question did this study set out to answer?

To analyze the optical properties of wildfire smoke in the free troposphere over Cyprus and determine its origins.

April 16, 2026

Aged and fresh wildfire smoke from different sources in Europe and North America: Long-term lidar observations over Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean

MPMaria PoutliCyprus Institute DHDiofantos Hadjimitsis ANArgyro Nisantzi

Key Points

To analyze the optical properties of wildfire smoke in the free troposphere over Cyprus and determine its origins.
Conducted long-term lidar observations from 2021-2023.
Utilized multi-wavelength polarization Raman lidar (Polly) for measurements at 355 nm and 532 nm.
Applied Hysplit model and VIIRS data to trace air mass origins.
Identified distinct optical properties of smoke particles based on varying aging levels.
Observed differences in particle depolarization ratios linked to smoke composition and source.
Provided insights into how wildfire smoke impacts air quality and visibility.

Abstract

Uncontrolled fires, mainly in rural areas, can be considered as wildfires. They are a natural part of many ecosystems, but climate change has notably influenced their frequency and heightened risk. Climate, air quality and visibility can be easily affected by wildfire smoke, so it is of great importance to investigate and improve our current knowledge of smoke particles' properties. During the period 2021-2023, intense wildfires affected many regions worldwide and especially North America and southern Europe. In this study we analyze the optical properties of smoke particles observed in the free troposphere of Limassol, Cyprus, during this period. Based on Hysplit model and VIIRS data we determined the origin and the source of the air masses. Utilizing a multiwavelength polarization Raman lidar, Polly, we investigated the behavior of lidar and particle depolarization ratio at 355 nm and 532 nm at different smoke aging levels.

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