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Abstract
In this study we present a multiyear study of Saharan dust intrusions over Thessaloniki. Observations were performed at Thessaloniki with a combined Raman/elastic lidar system from January 2001 to December 2007 in the framework of European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET). In the referred period we collect a dataset of 33 Raman lidar observation when Saharan dust is present in the free troposphere over Greece. To identify the origin of the observed aerosol layer we have used 4-day back air mass trajectories using the NOAA HYSPLIT-4 model at several altitudes. Firstly, we identify the base and the top of the desert dust layers. As long as the boundaries of the dust layers are identified, we calculate the mean optical properties and vertically integrated optical properties within the layers. In the second part of the study an attempt to validate Dust Regional Atmospheric Modeling (DREAM) simulations is made in terms of aerosol extinction profiles. Comparisons of modeled and measured aerosol extinction coefficients over Thessaloniki show that the Saharan dust layers are well captured by DREAM simulations.