Author(s)

A. M. Ramos, S. Freitas, K. Longo, F. C. Conde, J. Corte-Real, A. M. Silva, A. L Fazenda, F. S. Recuero & D. S. Moreira

Abstract

This work aims at validating the CATT-BRAMS model which can simulate emissions and transport of aerosol and trace gases from forest fires which occurred in the Iberian Peninsula on the period from 7 to 12 August 2003. The validation of the generated aerosol concentrations values was made by comparison with AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) aerosol optical thickness (AOT) measurements at two different wavelengths, which is a quantity that is related to the aerosol load in the atmospheric column. Keywords: aerosol optical thickness, Angström exponent, transport model, biomass burning. 1 Introduction Forest fires in Europe are a major source of concern for environmental security. Every year several hundred thousand hectares are burned throughout European forests. These fires put at risk, not only human life and property but also the sustainability of forests and other woodlands. The regeneration of vegetation after fire, mainly in the Mediterranean area, can be slow and consequently

Keywords

aerosol optical thickness, Angström exponent, transport model,biomass burning.