scholarly journals Improving Langley calibrations by reducing diurnal variations of aerosol Ångström parameters

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kreuter ◽  
S. Wuttke ◽  
M. Blumthaler
Keyword(s):  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Monte Carlo Method ◽  
Aerosol Optical Depth ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Diurnal Variations ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Calibration Constant ◽  
Solar Noon ◽  
Sun Photometer ◽  
Photometer Calibration

Abstract. Errors in the sun photometer calibration constant lead to artificial diurnal variations, symmetric around solar noon, of the retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the associated Ångström exponent α and its curvature γ. We show in simulations that within the uncertainty of state-of-the-art Langley calibrations, these diurnal variations of α and γ can be significant in low AOD conditions, while those of AOD are negligible. We implement a weighted Monte Carlo method of finding an improved calibration constant by minimizing the diurnal variations in α and γ and apply the method to sun photometer data of a clear day in Innsbruck, Austria. The results show that our method can be used to improve the calibrations in two of the four wavelength channels by up to a factor of 3.6.

scholarly journals Improving Langley calibrations by reducing diurnal variations of aerosol Ångström parameters

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 6479-6492
Author(s):  
A. Kreuter ◽  
S. Wuttke ◽  
M. Blumthaler
Keyword(s):  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Monte Carlo Method ◽  
Aerosol Optical Depth ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Diurnal Variations ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Calibration Constant ◽  
Solar Noon ◽  
Sun Photometer ◽  
Photometer Calibration

Abstract. Errors in the sun photometer calibration constant lead to artificial diurnal variations, symmetric around solar noon, of the retrieved Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and the associated Ångström exponent α and its curvature γ. We show in simulations that within the uncertainty of state-of-the-art Langley calibrations, these diurnal variations of α and γ can be significant in low AOD conditions, while those of AOD are negligible. We implement a weighted Monte-Carlo method of finding an improved calibration constant by minimizing the diurnal variations in α and γ and apply the method to sun photometer data of a clear day in Innsbruck, Austria. The results show that our method can be used to improve the calibrations in two of the four wavelength channels by up to a factor of 3.6.

scholarly journals Monte Carlo simulation of halos in the crystal clouds

2021 ◽  
Vol 2099 (1) ◽  
pp. 012067
Author(s):  
Q Mu ◽  
E G Kablukova ◽  
B A Kargin ◽  
S M Prigarin
Keyword(s):  
Monte Carlo Simulation ◽  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Monte Carlo Method ◽  
Ray Tracing ◽  
Multiple Scattering ◽  
Radiation Transfer ◽  
Cirrus Clouds ◽  
Ice Crystals ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Different Shapes

Abstract In this paper, we try to answer the question: how the multiple scattering, the sun elevation, shape and orientation of ice crystals in the cirrus clouds affect a halo pattern. To study the radiation transfer in optically anisotropic clouds, we have developed the software based on Monte Carlo method and ray tracing. In addition to halos, this software enables one to simulate “anti-halos”, which above the cloud layer can be seen by observers. We present the visualization of halos and anti-halos generated by the cirrus clouds for different shapes and orientations of ice crystals.

scholarly journals Application of Monte Carlo Methods to Consider Probabilistic Effects in a Race Simulation for Circuit Motorsport

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Heilmeier ◽  
Michael Graf ◽  
Johannes Betz ◽  
Markus Lienkamp
Keyword(s):  
Monte Carlo Simulation ◽  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Monte Carlo Method ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Probability Distributions ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
The Monte Carlo Method ◽  
Random Events ◽  
Example Variability

Applying an optimal race strategy is a decisive factor in achieving the best possible result in a motorsport race. This mainly implies timing the pit stops perfectly and choosing the optimal tire compounds. Strategy engineers use race simulations to assess the effects of different strategic decisions (e.g., early vs. late pit stop) on the race result before and during a race. However, in reality, races rarely run as planned and are often decided by random events, for example, accidents that cause safety car phases. Besides, the course of a race is affected by many smaller probabilistic influences, for example, variability in the lap times. Consequently, these events and influences should be modeled within the race simulation if real races are to be simulated, and a robust race strategy is to be determined. Therefore, this paper presents how state of the art and new approaches can be combined to modeling the most important probabilistic influences on motorsport races—accidents and failures, full course yellow and safety car phases, the drivers’ starting performance, and variability in lap times and pit stop durations. The modeling is done using customized probability distributions as well as a novel “ghost” car approach, which allows the realistic consideration of the effect of safety cars within the race simulation. The interaction of all influences is evaluated based on the Monte Carlo method. The results demonstrate the validity of the models and show how Monte Carlo simulation enables assessing the robustness of race strategies. Knowing the robustness improves the basis for a reasonable determination of race strategies by strategy engineers.

scholarly journals Comparison of aerosol optical depth from satellite (MODIS), Sun photometer and pyrheliometer ground-based measurements in Cuba

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Antuña-Marrero ◽  
Victoria Cachorro Revilla ◽  
Frank García Parrado ◽  
Ángel de Frutos Baraja ◽  
Albeth Rodríguez Vega ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aerosol Optical Depth ◽  
Optical Depth ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Deep Blue ◽  
Moderate Resolution ◽  
Resolution Imaging ◽  
Sun Photometer ◽  
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer ◽  
Aerosol Properties ◽  
Satellite Instruments

Abstract. In the present study, we report the first comparison of the aerosol properties measured with sun photometer at Camagüey, Cuba, with the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments on Terra and Aqua satellites. We compared the aerosol optical depth at 550 nm (AOD) and the Ångström Exponent (AE) from the sun photometer for the period 2008 to 2014 with the same variables measured by both MODIS instruments, that are spatially and temporally coincident. The comparison includes AOD derived with both Deep Blue (DB) and Dark Target (DT) algorithms from MODIS Collection 6. The AOD derived with DT algorithm for Terra and Aqua agrees better with AOD from the sun photometer than the AOD derived with DB. Additionally there is little difference between AOD from both satellite instruments, when they are compared with sun photometer AOD, allowing to combine AOD from Terra and Aqua for more comprehensive climatological statistics. The comparison of the AE showed similar results with reports in the literature about the little skills of the current DT and DB algorithms for its retrieval. In addition, we report the comparison of the broadband AOD (BAOD) from pyrheliometer measurements located at Camagüey site and other three meteorological stations along Cuba, with AOD measurements from the sun photometer and from MODIS onboard Terra and Aqua. The comparison of the BAOD from the four sites as a whole with coincident AOD from MODIS onboard Terra and Aqua showed similar results than the ones of the comparison between the sun photometer AOD and the AOD from the two satellite instruments. In the comparison between the BAOD and the AOD at each one of the eight individual sun photometer wavelengths, the results improve in the spectral range 400 to 675 nm, with the best result at 500 nm. The BAOD typical uncertainty ranges from 0.04 to 0.06 at this band. The results from the BAOD comparisons demonstrate its reliability for characterizing AOD at sites with no sun photometer and for extending backward in time AOD estimates.

scholarly journals Nocturnal aerosol optical depth measurements with modified skyradiometer POM-02 using the moon as a light source

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akihiro Uchiyama ◽  
Masataka Shiobara ◽  
Hiroshi Kobayashi ◽  
Tsuneo Matsunaga ◽  
Akihiro Yamazaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Source ◽  
Aerosol Optical Depth ◽  
Optical Depth ◽  
Phase Angle ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Wavelength Region ◽  
High Spectral Resolution ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Calibration Constant

Abstract. The majority of aerosol data are obtained from daytime measurements, and there are few datasets available for studying nighttime aerosol characteristics. In order to estimate the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the precipitable water vapor (PWV) during the nighttime using the moon as a light source, a skyradiometer POM-02 (Prede Ltd., Japan) was modified. The amplifier was adjusted so that POM-02 could measure lower levels of input irradiance. In order to track the moon based on the calculated values, a simplified formula was incorporated into the firmware. A new position sensor with a four-quadrant detector to adjust tracking of the sun and the moon was also developed. The calibration constant, which is the sensor output for the extra-terrestrial solar and lunar irradiance at the mean earth-sun distance, was determined by using the Langley method. The measurements for the Langley calibration were conducted at the NOAA/MLO in October and November 2017. By assuming that the relative variation of the reflectance of the Robotic Lunar Observatory (ROLO) irradiance model is correct, the calibration constant for the lunar direct irradiance was successfully determined using the Langley method. The ratio of the calibration constant for the moon to that for the sun was often greater than 1; the value of the ratio was 0.95 to 1.18 in the visible near-infrared wavelength region. This means that the ROLO model often underestimates the reflectance. In addition, this ratio depended on the phase angle. In this study, this ratio was approximated by a quadratic expression of the phase angle. By using this approximation, the reflectance of the moon can be calculated to within an accuracy of 1 % or less. In order to validate the estimates of the AOD and PWV, continuous measurements with POM-02 were conducted at MRI/JMA from January 2018 to May 2018, and the AOD and PWV were estimated. The results were compared with the AOD and PWV obtained by independent methods. The AOD was compared with that estimated from NIES High Spectral Resolution Lidar measurements (wavelength: 532 nm), and the PWV was compared with the PWV obtained from a radiosonde and the Global Positioning System. As a result, the estimations of the AOD and the PWV using the moon as the light source were made with the same degree of precision and accuracy as the estimates using the sun as the light source.

scholarly journals Sun photometer retrievals of Saharan dust properties over Barbados during SALTRACE

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (23) ◽  
pp. 14571-14583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Toledano ◽  
Benjamín Torres ◽  
Cristian Velasco-Merino ◽  
Dietrich Althausen ◽  
Silke Groß ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aerosol Optical Depth ◽  
Optical Depth ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Concentration Data ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Sun Photometer ◽  
Dust Events

Abstract. The Saharan Aerosol Long-Range Transport and Aerosol–Cloud-Interaction Experiment (SALTRACE) was devoted to the investigation of Saharan dust properties over the Caribbean. The campaign took place in June–July 2013. A wide set of ground-based and airborne aerosol instrumentation was deployed at the island of Barbados for a comprehensive experiment. Several sun photometers performed measurements during this campaign: two AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) Cimel sun photometers and the Sun and Sky Automatic Radiometer (SSARA). The sun photometers were co-located with the ground-based multi-wavelength lidars BERTHA (Backscatter Extinction lidar Ratio Temperature Humidity profiling Apparatus) and POLIS (Portable Lidar System). Aerosol properties derived from direct sun and sky radiance observations are analyzed, and a comparison with the co-located lidar and in situ data is provided. The time series of aerosol optical depth (AOD) allows identifying successive dust events with short periods in between in which the marine background conditions were observed. The moderate aerosol optical depth in the range of 0.3 to 0.6 was found during the dust periods. The sun photometer infrared channel at the 1640 nm wavelength was used in the retrieval to investigate possible improvements to aerosol size retrievals, and it was expected to have a larger sensitivity to coarse particles. The comparison between column (aerosol optical depth) and surface (dust concentration) data demonstrates the connection between the Saharan Air Layer and the boundary layer in the Caribbean region, as is shown by the synchronized detection of the successive dust events in both datasets. However the differences of size distributions derived from sun photometer data and in situ observations reveal the difficulties in carrying out a column closure study.

scholarly journals Nocturnal aerosol optical depth measurements with modified sky radiometer POM-02 using the moon as a light source

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 6465-6488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akihiro Uchiyama ◽  
Masataka Shiobara ◽  
Hiroshi Kobayashi ◽  
Tsuneo Matsunaga ◽  
Akihiro Yamazaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Source ◽  
Aerosol Optical Depth ◽  
Optical Depth ◽  
Phase Angle ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
High Spectral Resolution ◽  
Japan Meteorological Agency ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Calibration Constant

Abstract. The majority of aerosol data are obtained from daytime measurements, and there are few datasets available for studying nighttime aerosol characteristics. In order to estimate the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the precipitable water vapor (PWV) during the nighttime using the moon as a light source, a sky radiometer (POM-02, Prede Ltd., Japan) was modified. The amplifier was adjusted so that POM-02 could measure lower levels of input irradiance. In order to track the moon based on the calculated values, a simplified formula was incorporated into the firmware. A new position sensor with a four-quadrant detector to adjust the tracking of the Sun and moon was also developed. The calibration constant, which is the sensor output for the extraterrestrial solar and lunar irradiance at the mean Earth–Sun distance, was determined by using the Langley method. The measurements for the Langley calibration were conducted at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Mauna Loa Observatory (NOAA/MLO) from 28 September 2017 to 7 November 2017. By assuming that the correct reflectance is proportional to the reflectance estimated by the Robotic Lunar Observatory (ROLO) irradiance model, the calibration constant for the lunar direct irradiance was successfully determined using the Langley method. The ratio of the calibration constant for the moon to that of the Sun was often greater than 1; the value of the ratio was 0.95 to 1.18 in the visible and near-infrared wavelength regions. This indicates that the ROLO model often underestimates the reflectance. In addition, this ratio depended on the phase angle. In this study, this ratio was approximated by a quadratic equation of the phase angle. By using this approximation, the reflectance of the moon can be calculated to within an accuracy of 1 % or less. In order to validate the estimates of the AOD and PWV, continuous measurements with POM-02 were conducted at the Japan Meteorological Agency/Meteorological Research Institute (JMA/MRI) from January 2018 to May 2018, and the AOD and PWV were estimated. The results were compared with the AOD and PWV obtained by independent methods. The AOD was compared with that estimated by the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) High Spectral Resolution Lidar measurements (wavelength: 532 nm), and the PWV was compared with the PWV obtained from a radiosonde and the Global Positioning System. In addition, the continuity of the AOD (PWV) before and after sunrise and sunset in Tsukuba was examined, and the AOD (PWV) of AERONET and that of POM-02 at MLO were compared. In the results, the daytime and nighttime AOD (PWV) measurements are shown to be statistically almost equivalent. The AODs (PWVs) during the daytime and nighttime for POM-02 are presumed to have the same degree of precision and accuracy within the measurement uncertainty.

scholarly journals Comparison of aerosol optical depth from satellite (MODIS), sun photometer and broadband pyrheliometer ground-based observations in Cuba

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 2279-2293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Antuña-Marrero ◽  
Victoria Cachorro Revilla ◽  
Frank García Parrado ◽  
Ángel de Frutos Baraja ◽  
Albeth Rodríguez Vega ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aerosol Optical Depth ◽  
Optical Depth ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
Poor Correlation ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Deep Blue ◽  
Comparison Results ◽  
Sun Photometer

Abstract. In the present study, we report the first comparison between the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Ångström exponent (AE) of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments on the Terra (AODt) and Aqua (AODa) satellites and those measured using a sun photometer (AODSP) at Camagüey, Cuba, for the period 2008 to 2014. The comparison of Terra and Aqua data includes AOD derived with both deep blue (DB) and dark target (DT) algorithms from MODIS Collection 6. Combined Terra and Aqua (AODta) data were also considered. Assuming an interval of ±30 min around the overpass time and an area of 25 km around the sun photometer site, two coincidence criteria were considered: individual pairs of observations and both spatial and temporal mean values, which we call collocated daily means. The usual statistics (root mean square error, RMSE; mean absolute error, MAE; median bias, BIAS), together with linear regression analysis, are used for this comparison. Results show very similar values for both coincidence criteria: the DT algorithm generally displays better statistics and higher homogeneity than the DB algorithm in the behaviour of AODt, AODa, AODta compared to AODSP. For collocated daily means, (a) RMSEs of 0.060 and 0.062 were obtained for Terra and Aqua with the DT algorithm and 0.084 and 0.065 for the DB algorithm, (b) MAE follows the same patterns, (c) BIAS for both Terra and Aqua presents positive and negative values but its absolute values are lower for the DT algorithm; (d) combined AODta data also give lower values of these three statistical indicators for the DT algorithm; (e) both algorithms present good correlations for comparing AODt, AODa, AODta vs. AODSP, with a slight overestimation of satellite data compared to AODSP, (f). The DT algorithm yields better figures with slopes of 0.96 (Terra), 0.96 (Aqua) and 0.96 (Terra + Aqua) compared to the DB algorithm (1.07, 0.90, 0.99), which displays greater variability. Multi-annual monthly means of AODta establish a first climatology that is more comparable to that given by the sun photometer and their statistical evaluation reveals better agreement with AODSP for the DT algorithm. Results of the AE comparison showed similar results to those reported in the literature concerning the two algorithms' capacity for retrieval. A comparison between broadband aerosol optical depth (BAOD), derived from broadband pyrheliometer observations at the Camagüey site and three other meteorological stations in Cuba, and AOD observations from MODIS on board Terra and Aqua show a poor correlation with slopes below 0.4 for both algorithms. Aqua (Terra) showed RMSE values of 0.073 (0.080) and 0.088 (0.087) for the DB and DT algorithms. As expected, RMSE values are higher than those from the MODIS–sun photometer comparison, but within the same order of magnitude. Results from the BAOD derived from solar radiation measurements demonstrate its reliability in describing climatological AOD series estimates.

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