We outline a new method, called the ratio method, developed to retrieve aerosol optical depth (AOD) under broken cloud conditions and present validation results from sensitivity and case studies. Results of the sensitivity study demonstrate that the ratio method, which exploits ratios of reflectances in the visible spectral range, has the potential for accurate AOD retrievals under different observational conditions and random errors in input data. Also, we examine the performance of the ratio method using aircraft data collected during the Cloud and Land Surface Interaction Campaign (CLASIC) and the Cumulus Humilis Aerosol Processing Study (CHAPS). Results of the case study suggest that the ratio method has the ability to retrieve AOD from multi-spectral aircraft observations of the reflected solar radiation.
Revised: February 21, 2011 |
Published: September 30, 2009
Citation
Kassianov E.I., M. Ovchinnikov, L.K. Berg, S.A. McFarlane, C.J. Flynn, R. Ferrare, and C.A. Hostetler. 2009.The 3D Radiative Effects of Clouds in Aerosol Retrieval: Can we Remove Them?. In Remote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere XIV: Proceedings of the SPIE, edited by RH Picard, K Schafer, A Comeron, EI Kassianov and CJ Mertens, 7475, Article No. 74750I. Bellingham, Washington:SPIE.PNNL-SA-73334.doi:10.1117/12.830179