Measurements of aerosol optical depth (AOD) using sunphotometers are being made in the oil sands region (at Fort McKay’s Oski-ôtin site, and Fort McMurray). AOD is a measure of the degree to which atmospheric aerosols absorb or scatter sunlight anywhere from the top of the atmosphere to the ground. These tiny solid or liquid particles can have natural or anthropogenic sources including dust, sea salt, smoke, or pollutants.
Measurements of AOD made in the oil sands region can be compared with data collected at other Canadian locations from the AErosol RObotic CANadian (AEROCAN) network, such as Kelowna, BC; Lethbridge, AB; Bratt’s Lake and Waskesiu, SK; and Yellowknife, NT. Average AOD levels measured in the oil sands region are comparable to other western Canadian sites. The AOD levels exhibit a seasonal cycle with a peak in summertime similar to other non-Arctic Canadian sites.
