A Remote Sensing and Atmospheric Correction Method for Assessing Multispectral Radiative Transfer through Realistic Atmospheres and Clouds

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarred L. Burley ◽  
Steven T. Fiorino ◽  
Brannon J. Elmore ◽  
Jaclyn E. Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Radiative Transfer ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Atmospheric Correction ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Diffuse Transmission ◽  
Cloud Data ◽  
Atmospheric Propagation

Abstract The ability to quickly and accurately model actual atmospheric conditions is essential to remote sensing analyses. Clouds present a particularly complex challenge, as they cover up to 70% of Earth’s surface, and their highly variable and diverse nature necessitates physics-based modeling. The Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) is a verified and validated atmospheric propagation and radiative transfer code that creates physically realizable vertical and horizontal profiles of meteorological data. Coupled with numerical weather prediction (NWP) model output, LEEDR enables analysis, nowcasts, and forecasts for radiative effects expected for real-world scenarios. A recent development is the inclusion of the U.S. Air Force’s World-Wide Merged Cloud Analysis (WWMCA) cloud data in a new tool set that enables radiance calculations through clouds from UV to radio frequency (RF) wavelengths. This effort details the creation of near-real-time profiles of atmospheric and cloud conditions and the resulting radiative transfer analysis for virtually any wavelength(s) of interest. Calendar year 2015 data are analyzed to establish climatological limits for diffuse transmission in the 300–1300-nm band, and the impacts of various geometry, cloud microphysical, and atmospheric conditions are examined. The results show that 80% of diffuse band transmissions are estimated to fall between 0.248 and 0.889 under the assumptions of cloud homogeneity and maximum overlap and are sufficient for establishing diffuse transmission percentiles. The demonstrated capability provides an efficient way to extend optical wavelength cloud parameters across the spectrum for physics-based multiple-scattering effects modeling through cloudy and clear atmospheres, providing an improvement to atmospheric correction for remote sensing and cloud effects on system performance metrics.

scholarly journals Observed Land–Atmosphere Coupling from Satellite Remote Sensing and Reanalysis

2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1221-1254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig R. Ferguson ◽  
Eric F. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Satellite Remote Sensing ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Remote Sensing Data ◽  
Feedback Signal ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Global Land

Abstract The lack of observational data for use in evaluating the realism of model-based land–atmosphere feedback signal and strength has been deemed a major obstacle to future improvements to seasonal weather prediction by the Global Land–Atmosphere Coupling Experiment (GLACE). To address this need, a 7-yr (2002–09) satellite remote sensing data record is exploited to produce for the first time global maps of predominant coupling signals. Specifically, a previously implemented convective triggering potential (CTP)–humidity index (HI) framework for describing atmospheric controls on soil moisture–rainfall feedbacks is revisited and generalized for global application using CTP and HI from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), soil moisture from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (EOS) (AMSR-E), and the U.S. Climate Prediction Center (CPC) merged satellite rainfall product (CMORPH). Based on observations taken during an AMSR-E-derived convective rainfall season, the global land area is categorized into four convective regimes: 1) those with atmospheric conditions favoring deep convection over wet soils, 2) those with atmospheric conditions favoring deep convection over dry soils, 3) those with atmospheric conditions that suppress convection over any land surface, and 4) those with atmospheric conditions that support convection over any land surface. Classification maps are produced using both the original and modified frameworks, and later contrasted with similarly derived maps using inputs from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA). Both AIRS and MERRA datasets of CTP and HI are validated using radiosonde observations. The combinations of methods and data sources employed in this study enable evaluation of not only the sensitivity of the classification schemes themselves to their inputs, but also the uncertainty in the resultant classification maps. The findings are summarized for 20 climatic regions and three GLACE coupling hot spots, as well as zonally and globally. Globally, of the four-class scheme, regions for which convection is favored over wet and dry soils accounted for the greatest and least extent, respectively. Despite vast differences among the maps, many geographically large regions of concurrence exist. Through its ability to compensate for the latitudinally varying CTP–HI–rainfall tendency characteristics observed in this study, the revised classification framework overcomes limitations of the original framework. By identifying regions where coupling persists using satellite remote sensing this study provides the first observationally based guidance for future spatially and temporally focused studies of land–atmosphere interactions. Joint distributions of CTP and HI and soil moisture, rainfall occurrence, and depth demonstrate the relevance of CTP and HI in coupling studies and their potential value in future model evaluation, rainfall forecast, and/or hydrologic consistency applications.

scholarly journals The potential for geostationary remote sensing of NO<sub>2</sub> to improve weather prediction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueling Liu ◽  
Arthur P. Mizzi ◽  
Jeffrey L. Anderson ◽  
Inez Fung ◽  
Ronald C. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Data Assimilation ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Urban Air ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Wind Fields ◽  
Layer Height ◽  
Boundary Layer Height

Abstract. Observations of winds in the planetary boundary layer remain sparse making it challenging to simulate and predict atmospheric conditions that are most important for describing and predicting urban air quality. Short-lived chemicals are observed as plumes whose location is affected by boundary layer winds and with a lifetime affected by boundary layer height and mixing. Here we investigate the application of data assimilation of NO2 columns as will be observed from geostationary orbit to improve predictions and retrospective analysis of wind fields in the boundary layer.

scholarly journals Estimativa do Albedo Comparando Metodologias de Correção Atmosférica em Áreas de Cana-de-Açúcar e Cerrado na Bacia do Rio Mogi Guaçú-SP (Estimation of albedo comparing methodologies of atmospheric correction in areas of sugarcane and cerrado in the ...)

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1943
Author(s):  
Maurílio Neemias Santos ◽  
Laurizio Emanuel Ribeiro Alves ◽  
Ismael Guidson Farias De Freitas ◽  
Eridiany Ferreira Da Silva ◽  
Heliofabio Barros Gomes
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Surface Energy ◽  
Surface Energy Balance ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Atmospheric Correction ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
The State ◽  
São Paulo

O uso de técnicas de sensoriamento remoto nos últimos anos tem se tornado cada vez mais constante nas pesquisas sobre a cobertura vegetal, direcionando as mais variadas aplicações, principalmente quando se deseja analisar e identificar padrões de alteração no local estudado de forma clara e objetiva, visando assim obter maior conhecimento em áreas de difícil acesso. A eficiência na obtenção de dados gera resultados confiáveis principalmente com relação a dados meteorológicos com um baixo custo. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a obtenção do albedo da superfície com base em imagens do TM Landsat5 e alguns dados meteorológicos obtidos através de estações micrometeorológicas em situ. A área de estudo está localizada no estado de São Paulo, na região da bacia do rio Mogi-Guaçu, município de Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, no estado de São Paulo (21°37’09”S; 47°37’56”W; 710 m). Foram utilizadas oito imagens TM - Landsat5 do ano de 2005 para os dias 22/02, 11/04, 29/05, 14/06, 16/07, 01/08, 17/08, 21/11. Foram empregados os procedimentos do Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) proposto por Bastiaanssen (1995) aprimorados por Allen et al. (2007a) e Tasumi (2006) para obtenção do albedo superficial.    A B S T R A C T The use of remote sensing techniques in recent years has become increasingly constant in research on plant cover, directing the most varied applications, especially when it is desired to analyze and identify patterns of change in the studied area in a clear and objective way, aiming to Knowledge in areas of difficult access. The efficiency in obtaining data generates reliable results mainly in relation to meteorological data with a low cost. The present study had as objective to analyze the albedo of the surface based on images of TM Landsat5 and some meteorological data obtained through micrometeorological stations in situ. The study area is located in the state of São Paulo, in the region of the Mogi-Guaçu river basin, municipality of Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, in the state of São Paulo (21°37’09”S; 47°37’56”W; 710 m). Eight TM - Landsat5 images from the year 2005 were used for the days 22/02, 11/04, 29/05, 14/06, 16/07, 01/08, 17/08, 21/11. The procedures of Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) and superficial albedo of different authors were used. Estimates of the atmospheric correction showed that the albedo of the cerrado presents values inferior to the one found on sugarcane and other areas of the basin, except for water bodies. The different methods discussed in this study showed that the Idaho method presented the best results in the estimation when compared to pyranometric measurements presenting Relative Error lower than the methods presented here.   Keywords: Remote sensing, albedo, Landsat 5. 

scholarly journals The remote sensing of radiative forcing by light-absorbing particles (LAPs) in seasonal snow over northeastern China

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (15) ◽  
pp. 9949-9968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Pu ◽  
Jiecan Cui ◽  
Tenglong Shi ◽  
Xuelei Zhang ◽  
Cenlin He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Radiative Transfer ◽  
Radiative Forcing ◽  
Atmospheric Correction ◽  
Northeastern China ◽  
Radiative Transfer Model ◽  
Transfer Model ◽  
Spatial Variance ◽  
Snow Albedo ◽  
Sky Conditions

Abstract. Light-absorbing particles (LAPs) deposited on snow can decrease snow albedo and affect climate through snow-albedo radiative forcing. In this study, we use MODIS observations combined with a snow-albedo model (SNICAR – Snow, Ice, and Aerosol Radiative) and a radiative transfer model (SBDART – Santa Barbara DISORT Atmospheric Radiative Transfer) to retrieve the instantaneous spectrally integrated radiative forcing at the surface by LAPs in snow (RFMODISLAPs) under clear-sky conditions at the time of MODIS Aqua overpass across northeastern China (NEC) in January–February from 2003 to 2017. RFMODISLAPs presents distinct spatial variability, with the minimum (22.3 W m−2) in western NEC and the maximum (64.6 W m−2) near industrial areas in central NEC. The regional mean RFMODISLAPs is ∼45.1±6.8 W m−2 in NEC. The positive (negative) uncertainties of retrieved RFMODISLAPs due to atmospheric correction range from 14 % to 57 % (−14 % to −47 %), and the uncertainty value basically decreases with the increased RFMODISLAPs. We attribute the variations of radiative forcing based on remote sensing and find that the spatial variance of RFMODISLAPs in NEC is 74.6 % due to LAPs and 21.2 % and 4.2 % due to snow grain size and solar zenith angle. Furthermore, based on multiple linear regression, the BC dry and wet deposition and snowfall could explain 84 % of the spatial variance of LAP contents, which confirms the reasonability of the spatial patterns of retrieved RFMODISLAPs in NEC. We validate RFMODISLAPs using in situ radiative forcing estimates. We find that the biases in RFMODISLAPs are negatively correlated with LAP concentrations and range from ∼5 % to ∼350 % in NEC.

scholarly journals The Assessment of Landsat-8 OLI Atmospheric Correction Algorithms for Inland Waters

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dian Wang ◽  
Ronghua Ma ◽  
Kun Xue ◽  
Steven Loiselle
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Lake Taihu ◽  
Atmospheric Correction ◽  
Solar Spectrum ◽  
Inland Waters ◽  
Landsat 8 ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Landsat 8 Oli ◽  
Turbid Waters ◽  
Band Ratios

The OLI (Operational Land Imager) sensor on Landsat-8 has the potential to meet the requirements of remote sensing of water color. However, the optical properties of inland waters are more complex than those of oceanic waters, and inland atmospheric correction presents additional challenges. We examined the performance of atmospheric correction (AC) methods for remote sensing over three highly turbid or hypereutrophic inland waters in China: Lake Hongze, Lake Chaohu, and Lake Taihu. Four water-AC algorithms (SWIR (Short Wave Infrared), EXP (Exponential Extrapolation), DSF (Dark Spectrum Fitting), and MUMM (Management Unit Mathematics Models)) and three land-AC algorithms (FLAASH (Fast Line-of-sight Atmospheric Analysis of Spectral Hypercubes), 6SV (a version of Second Simulation of the Satellite Signal in the Solar Spectrum), and QUAC (Quick Atmospheric Correction)) were assessed using Landsat-8 OLI data and concurrent in situ data. The results showed that the EXP (and DSF) together with 6SV algorithms provided the best estimates of the remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) and band ratios in water-AC algorithms and land-AC algorithms, respectively. AC algorithms showed a discriminating accuracy for different water types (turbid waters, in-water algae waters, and floating bloom waters). For turbid waters, EXP gave the best Rrs in visible bands. For the in-water algae and floating bloom waters, however, all water-algorithms failed due to an inappropriate aerosol model and non-zero reflectance at 1609 nm. The results of the study show the improvements that can be achieved considering SWIR bands and using band ratios, and the need for further development of AC algorithms for complex aquatic and atmospheric conditions, typical of inland waters.

scholarly journals Remote sensing of cloud sides of deep convection: towards a three-dimensional retrieval of cloud particle size profiles

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 4267-4308 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Zinner ◽  
A. Marshak ◽  
S. Lang ◽  
J. V. Martins ◽  
B. Mayer
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
Radiative Transfer ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Preceding Paper ◽  
Test Bed ◽  
Cloud Particle ◽  
Cloud Data

Abstract. The cloud scanner sensor is a central part of a recently proposed satellite remote sensing concept – the three-dimensional (3-D) cloud and aerosol interaction mission (CLAIM-3D) combining measurements of aerosol characteristics in the vicinity of clouds and profiles of cloud microphysical characteristics. Such a set of collocated measurements will allow new insights in the complex field of cloud-aerosol interactions affecting directly the development of clouds and precipitation, especially in convection. The cloud scanner measures radiance reflected or emitted by cloud sides at several wavelengths to derive a profile of cloud particle size and thermodynamic phase. For the retrieval of effective size a Bayesian approach was adopted and introduced in a preceding paper. In this paper the potential of the approach, which has to account for the complex three-dimensional nature of cloud geometry and radiative transfer, is tested in realistic cloud observing situations. In a fully simulated environment realistic cloud resolving modelling provides complex 3-D structures of ice, water, and mixed phase clouds, from the early stage of convective development to mature deep convection. A three-dimensional Monte Carlo radiative transfer is used to realistically simulate the aspired observations. A large number of cloud data sets and related simulated observations provide the database for an experimental Bayesian retrieval. An independent simulation of an additional cloud field serves as a synthetic test bed for the demonstration of the capabilities of the developed retrieval techniques.

scholarly journals Irradiance and cloud optical properties from photovoltaic power data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Barry ◽  
Anna Herman-Czezuch ◽  
Nicola Kimiaie ◽  
Stefanie Meilinger ◽  
Christopher Schirrmeister ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Radiative Transfer ◽  
Optical Depth ◽  
Software Package ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Lookup Table ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Cloud Optical Depth ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Diffuse Irradiance

&lt;p class=&quot;western&quot; align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;The rapid increase in solar photovoltaic (PV) installations worldwide has resulted in the electricity grid becoming increasingly dependent on atmospheric conditions, thus requiring more accurate forecasts of incoming solar irradiance. In this context, measured data from PV systems are a valuable source of information about the optical properties of the atmosphere, in particular the cloud optical depth (COD). This work reports first results from an inversion algorithm developed to infer global, direct and diffuse irradiance as well as atmospheric optical properties from PV power measurements, with the goal of assimilating this information into numerical weather prediction (NWP) models.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;western&quot; align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;High resolution measurements from both PV systems and pyranometers were collected as part of the BMWi-funded MetPVNet project, in the Allg&amp;#228;u region during autumn 2018 and summer 2019. These data were then used together with a PV model and both the DISORT and MYSTIC radiative transfer schemes within libRadtran (Emde et al., 2016; Mayer and Kylling, 2005)&amp;#8288; to infer cloud optical depth as well as direct, diffuse and global irradiance under highly variable atmospheric conditions. Hourly averages of each of the retrieved quantities were compared with the corresponding predictions of the COSMO weather model as well as data from satellite retrievals, and periods with differing degrees of variability and different cloud types were analysed. The DISORT-based algorithm is able to accurately retrieve COD, direct and diffuse irradiance components as long as the cloud fraction is high enough, whereas under broken cloud conditions the presence of 3D effects can lead to large errors. In that case the global horizontal irradiance is derived from tilted irradiance measurements and/or PV data using a lookup table based on the MYSTIC 3D Monte Carlo radiative transfer solver (Mayer, 2009)&amp;#8288;. This work will provide the basis for future investigations using a larger number of PV systems to evaluate the improvements to irradiance and power forecasts that could be achieved by the assimilation of inferred irradiance into an NWP model.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;western&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;References&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;western&quot;&gt;Emde, C., Buras-Schnell, R., Kylling, A., Mayer, B., Gasteiger, J., Hamann, U., Kylling, J., Richter, B., Pause, C., Dowling, T. and Bugliaro, L.: The libRadtran software package for radiative transfer calculations (version 2.0.1), Geosci. Model Dev., 9(5), 1647&amp;#8211;1672, doi:10.5194/gmd-9-1647-2016, 2016.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;western&quot;&gt;Mayer, B.: Radiative transfer in the cloudy atmosphere, EPJ Web Conf., 1, 75&amp;#8211;99, doi:10.1140/epjconf/e2009-00912-1, 2009.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;western&quot;&gt;Mayer, B. and Kylling, A.: Technical note: The libRadtran software package for radiative transfer calculations - description and examples of use, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 5(7), 1855&amp;#8211;1877, doi:10.5194/acp-5-1855-2005, 2005.&lt;/p&gt;

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