Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics www.atmos-chem-phys.net 1680-7316 1680-7324 3 3 2003 10.5194/acp-3-521-2003 http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/3/521/2003/ http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/3/521/2003/acp-3-521-2003.html http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/3/521/2003/acp-3-521-2003.pdf 521 533 2003-05-20 Spatial variation of aerosol properties over Europe derived from satellite observations and comparison with model calculations C. Robles González M. Schaap G. de Leeuw P. J. H. Builtjes M. van Loon TNO, Physics and Electronics Laboratory, PO-BOX 96864, NL-2509 JG The Hague, The Netherlands TNO, Institute of Environmental Science, Energy Research and Process Innovation, PO-Box 342, NL-7300 AH, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands Utrecht University, Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, PO-Box 80005, NL-3508 TA, Utrecht, The Netherlands Aerosol optical depths (AOD) and Angström coefficients over Europe were retrieved using data from the ATSR-2 radiometer on board the ESA satellite ERS-2, for August 1997. Taking advantage of the nadir and forward view of the ATSR-2, the dual view algorithm was used over land to eliminate the influence of the surface reflection. Over sea the AOD was retrieved using only the forward observations. Retrieved aerosol optical properties are in good agreement with those from ground-based sunphotometers. The AOD and Angström coefficients together yield information on the column integrated effective aerosol distribution.&nbsp; <p style="line-height: 20px;">Observed regional variations of the AOD and Angström coefficient are related to anthropogenic emissions of aerosol precursors such as SO<sub>2</sub> and NO<sub>x</sub> in the major European industrial and urban areas, and their subsequent transformation into the aerosol phase. The influence of anthropogenic aerosols such as ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate on the total AOD is estimated using a regional chemistry transport model. Sulphate is estimated to contribute from 15% in very clean areas to 70% in polluted areas, the contribution of nitrate is between 5% and 25% over most of Europe. This paper shows the great importance of nitrate in summer over The Netherlands.