Absorbing Aerosol Optical Properties and Radiative Effects on Near-Surface Photochemistry in East Asia
, Bingliang Zhuang 2,*, Jane Liu 3,4, Yinan Zhou 2, Yaxin Hu 2, Yang Chen 5, Yiman Gao 2, Wen Wei 6, Huijuan Lin 7, Shu Li 2, Tijian Wang 2, Min Xie 2 and Mengmeng Li 2Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
This is a quality manuscript dedicated to the study of aerosols over East Asia. The variability of multivariate aerosol data is considered. I hope that the results of this study will be advantageous to improve aerosol model performance in reality. The manuscript is very detailed and voluminous. On the one hand it is good, on the other hand the manuscript is difficult to read. Authors use a lot of abbreviations. I understand that this is a specificity of aerosol science, but I recommend deciphering all abbreviations at the first mention (including abstract), for example:
Line 17 - AOD
Line 18, 163 - AAOD
Line 19 -UVA (315-400 nm)
Line 24 - BC
Line 163 - SSA
Line 179 - SAE
Could you label the x-axis in Figure 3?
In Fig. 6. (c) (e) the x-axis is cut off by half. Fix please.
Don't you think it's better to make tables 4 and 5 graphically? It is not easy to perceive so many numbers, the plots are clearer.
“The changes of actinic flux and photolysis rate are shown in Figures 7 and 8”. I don't understand what changes are you talking about? What is the change period?
Please explain the following points:
Line 291 - finer aerosol in Japan. Why?
Line 308 - About seasonal variations due to wind. Where do you think the source of the aerosol is located, which is brought to the sites by the wind flow?
Why such a difference between the nearby EPA-NCU and Taipei?
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
The manuscript is very well written; clear, precise, and easy to understand. However, authors should add data in term of comparison between your current and previous studies in Discussion section.
1. What is the main question addressed by the research?
-The aim of the absorbing aerosol optical properties and radiative effects on near-surface photochemistry in East Asia research is to improve aerosol model performance.
2. Do you consider the topic original or relevant in the field? Does it address a specific gap in the field?
-YES
3. What does it add to the subject area compared with other published material?
-The implementation in East Asian which has different characteristics in other areas.
4. What specific improvements should the authors consider regarding the methodology? What further controls should be considered?
-Please add data in terms of comparison between your current and previous studies in the Discussion section.
5. Are the conclusions consistent with the evidence and arguments presented and do they address the main question posed?
-Yes and please add the advantages of this model.
6. Are the references appropriate?
-YES
7. Please include any additional comments on the tables and figures.
-Figs 3-6 please add labels, and they should be clearly presented.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
It is important to explore absorbing aerosol optical properties and radiative effects on near-surface photochemistry in heavy pollution region, i.e., East Asia. However, this study has some key defect as follows and cannot be published in this journal.
1. In UV band, brown carbon is more important. However, only BC-dominated aerosols are analyzed.
2. Aerosol properties during 2001-2016 changed largely, especially in eastern China. Investigation of the interannual variation about absorbing aerosol optical properties and radiative effects on near-surface photochemistry will be crucial. Furthermore, the same study period is necessary for different regions for annual or seasonal scale analysis. In addition, clean air actions have been implemented during 2013-2020. I think the AEROENT in BEIJING and TAIHU maybe available in this period.
3. Section 4 discussion is not suitable and too long. This should be conclusion in brief.
It is important to explore absorbing aerosol optical properties and radiative effects on near-surface photochemistry in heavy pollution region, i.e., East Asia. However, this study has some key defect as follows and cannot be published in this journal.
1. In UV band, brown carbon is more important. However, only BC-dominated aerosols are analyzed.
2. Aerosol properties during 2001-2016 changed largely, especially in eastern China. Investigation of the interannual variation about absorbing aerosol optical properties and radiative effects on near-surface photochemistry will be crucial. Furthermore, the same study period is necessary for different regions for annual or seasonal scale analysis. In addition, clean air actions have been implemented during 2013-2020. I think the AEROENT in BEIJING and TAIHU maybe available in this period.
3. Section 4 discussion is not suitable and too long. This should be conclusion in brief.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 3 Report
The revised version is good for the publication.
