The objectives and task of this project are: (1) to execute the operation and maintenance of the Micro-pulse lidar systems；(2) to build the lidar observation database；(3) to accomplish the operations of data QA/QC；(4) to integrate the observational data based on EPA MPL systems and air quality monitoring station, and further analyze the possible causes of high pollution events；(5) to establish the experience with lidar data and export its potential on air quality forecast；(6) to offer the data analyzation of unexpected high pollution events；(7) to intensify the international collaborations cooperation with NASA MPLNET, EARLINET and implement MPL technology for air quality monitoring；(8) to assist in planning and upgrading EPA-NCU MPL station, also intensify the techniques and equipment conform the standard of Asia reference station. The important achievements from this project are listed as follows: •We had established and execute standard maintenance procedures. We recorded the details of instrument maintenance status and scheduling. Not only the electric power supply of EPA-NCU site, but also the issue of two enclosures due to their bad temperature control and power ground has been discussed and improved significantly. •We had executed the After Pulse and Dark Counts calibration and data QA/QC procedure on schedule to ensure the availability and stability of MPL data. The MPL data has been posted to webpages and database real time and completely. •We applied a statistical method to define the high pollution events in this year and set up a database for case studies. We systematically analyze those pollution events with observational data obtained from EPA MPL system and air quality monitoring stations in Taiwan. We explained the causes of high pollution events based on multiscale analysis including vertical and horizontal distribution of particulate matters and meteorological conditions. The results from those case studies significant improve our understanding on the air quality deterioration. To enhance the analysis of high polluted events, we provided and developed a retrieval process of planetary boundary layer heights. •We continued to cooperate with NASA MPLNET and successfully signed an agreement with EARLINET. The chair of MPLNET came to Taiwan for discussing data analysis and retrieval techniques. We also sent our members to join the international conference in Italy, and visit laboratory of NASA MPLNET.

Micro-pulse lidar (MPL), Aerosol vertical distribution, International collaboration