Polar Vortex Dynamics and Stratospheric Aerosol Evolution: Observations with a Novel Frequency-Scanning Lidar

The dynamics of the polar vortex in the Northern Hemisphere play a crucial role in shaping the composition and distribution of stratospheric aerosols. This study investigates the temporal evolution of the Junge layer within the vortex, emphasizing its interaction with aerosol characteristics. Utilizing a novel frequency-scanning lidar system, high-resolution vertical profiles of stratospheric aerosols (15–30 km) were obtained in February 2023. The ground-based lidar measurements were also validated with satellite data. These observations captured a significant polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) event on February 11, 2023, at Kühlungsborn (54°, 11°) at an altitude of 22 km, providing insight into the relationship between aerosol distribution and vortex stability.