scholarly journals Improving satellite-retrieved aerosol microphysical properties using GOCART data

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1157-1171 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Li ◽  
R. Kahn ◽  
M. Chin ◽  
M. J. Garay ◽  
Y. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Single Scattering ◽  
Particle Type ◽  
Aerosol Optical Properties ◽  
Microphysical Properties ◽  
Standard Product ◽  
Gocart Model ◽  
Terra Satellite ◽  
Type Information ◽  
Aerosol Properties

Abstract. The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) aboard the NASA Earth Observing System's Terra satellite can provide more reliable aerosol optical depth (AOD) and better constraints on particle size (Ångström exponent, or ANG), sphericity, and single-scattering albedo (SSA) than many other satellite instruments. However, many aerosol mixtures pass the algorithm acceptance criteria, yielding a poor constraint, when the particle-type information in the MISR radiances is low, typically at low AOD. We investigate adding value to the MISR aerosol product under these conditions by filtering the list of MISR-retrieved mixtures based on agreement between the mixture ANG and absorbing AOD (AAOD) values, and simulated aerosol properties from the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model. MISR–GOCART ANG difference and AAOD ratio thresholds for applying GOCART constraints were determined based on coincident AOD, ANG, and AAOD measurements from the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET). The results were validated by comparing the adjusted MISR aerosol optical properties over the contiguous USA between 2006 and 2009 with additional AERONET data. The correlation coefficient (r) between the adjusted MISR ANG derived from this study and AERONET improves to 0.45, compared to 0.29 for the MISR Version 22 standard product. The ratio of the adjusted MISR AAOD to AERONET increases to 0.74, compared to 0.5 for the MISR operational retrieval. These improvements occur primarily when AOD < 0.2 for ANG and AOD < 0.5 for AAOD. Spatial and temporal differences among the aerosol optical properties of MISR V22, GOCART, and the adjusted MISR are traced to (1) GOCART underestimation of AOD and ANG in polluted regions; (2) aerosol mixtures lacking in the MISR Version 22 algorithm climatology; (3) low MISR sensitivity to particle type under some conditions; and (4) parameters and thresholds used in our method.

scholarly journals Improving satellite retrieved aerosol microphysical properties using GOCART data

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 8945-8981 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Li ◽  
R. Kahn ◽  
M. Chin ◽  
M.J. Garay ◽  
L. Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Information Content ◽  
Fine Particles ◽  
Single Scattering ◽  
Particle Type ◽  
Aerosol Optical Properties ◽  
Microphysical Properties ◽  
Standard Product ◽  
Type Information ◽  
Aerosol Properties

Abstract. The Multi-Angle Imaging Spectro-Radiometer (MISR) instrument on NASA's Terra satellite can provide more reliable Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD, τ) and more particle information, such as constraints on particle size (Angström exponent or ANG, α), particle shape, and single-scattering albedo (SSA, ω), than many other satellite instruments. However, MISR's ability to retrieve aerosol properties is weakened at low AOD levels. When aerosol-type information content is low, many candidate aerosol mixtures can match the observed radiances. We propose an algorithm to improve MISR aerosol retrievals by constraining MISR mixtures' ANG and absorbing AOD (AAOD) with Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model-simulated aerosol properties. To demonstrate this approach, we calculated MISR aerosol optical properties over the contiguous US from 2006 to 2009. Sensitivities associated with the thresholds of MISR-GOCART differences were analyzed according to the agreement between our results (AOD, ANG, and AAOD) and AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) observations. Overall, our AOD has a good agreement with AERONET because the MISR AOD retrieval is not sensitive to different mixtures under many retrieval conditions. The correlation coefficient (r) between our ANG and AERONET improves to 0.45 from 0.29 for the MISR Version 22 standard product and 0.43 for GOCART when all data points are included. However, when only cases having AOD > 0.2, the MISR product itself has r ~ 0.40, and when only AOD > 0.2 and the best-fitting mixture are considered, r ~ 0.49. So as expected, the ANG improvement occurs primarily when the model constraint is applied in cases where the particle type information content of the MISR radiances is low. Regression analysis for AAOD shows that MISR Version 22 and GOCART misestimate AERONET by a ratio (mean retrieved AAOD to mean AERONET AAOD) of 0.5; our method improves this ratio to 0.74. Large discrepancies are found through an inter-comparison of the spatial-temporal patterns of MISR, GOCART, and our adjusted aerosol optical properties. We attribute these differences to (1) GOCART underestimations of AOD and ANG in polluted regions due to the emissions inventories used, and not considering the fine particles such as nitrate, (2) a lack of certain aerosol mixtures in the Version 22 algorithm climatology, (3) a lack of sensitivity in the MISR radiances to particle type under some conditions, and (4) parameters and thresholds used in our method.

scholarly journals Sources of discrepancy between aerosol optical depth obtained from AERONET and in-situ aircraft profiles

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 2987-3003 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Esteve ◽  
J. A. Ogren ◽  
P. J. Sheridan ◽  
E. Andrews ◽  
B. N. Holben ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Aerosol Optical Depth ◽  
Optical Depth ◽  
Single Scattering ◽  
Retrieval Algorithm ◽  
Aircraft Measurements ◽  
Aerosol Optical Properties ◽  
The One ◽  
Aerosol Properties

Abstract. Aerosol optical properties were measured by NOAA's Airborne Aerosol Observatory over Bondville, Illinois, during more than two years using a light aircraft. Measured properties included total light scattering, backscattering, and absorption, while calculated parameters included aerosol optical depth (AOD), Ångström exponent, single-scattering albedo, hemispheric backscatter fraction, asymmetry parameter, and submicrometer mode fraction of scattering. The in-situ aircraft measurements are compared here with AERONET measurements and retrievals of the aerosol optical properties at the same location, although it is difficult to verify the AERONET retrieval algorithm at a site that is not highly polluted. The comparison reveals discrepancies between the aerosol properties retrieved from AERONET and from in-situ aircraft measurements. These discrepancies are smaller for the AOD, while the biggest discrepancies are for the other derived aerosol properties. Possible sources of discrepancy between the AOD measured by AERONET and the one calculated from the in-situ aircraft measurements are investigated. The largest portion of the AOD discrepancy is likely due to an incorrect adjustment to ambient RH of the scattering coefficient. Another significant part (along with uncertain nephelometer truncation corrections) may come from the possibility that there might be less aerosol below the lowest flight altitude or that the aircraft inlet excludes aerosol particles larger than 5–7 μm diameter.

scholarly journals Seasonal cycle and source analyses of aerosol optical properties in a semi-urban environment at Puijo station in Eastern Finland

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 5647-5659 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Leskinen ◽  
A. Arola ◽  
M. Komppula ◽  
H. Portin ◽  
P. Tiitta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Single Scattering ◽  
Single Scattering Albedo ◽  
Scattering Coefficient ◽  
Traffic Density ◽  
Aerosol Optical Properties ◽  
Absorption Coefficients ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Pollutant Sources

Abstract. We introduce a four-year (in 2006–2010) continuous data set of aerosol optical properties at Puijo in Kuopio, Finland. We study the annual and diurnal variation of the aerosol scattering and absorption coefficients, hemispheric backscattering fraction, scattering Ångström exponent, and single scattering albedo, whose median values over this period were 7.2 Mm−1 (at 550 nm), 1.0 Mm−1 (at 637 nm), 0.15, 1.93 (between 450 and 550 nm), and 0.85, respectively. The scattering coefficient peaked in the spring and autumn, being 2–4 times those in the summer and winter. An exception was the summer of 2010, when the scattering coefficient was elevated to ~300 Mm−1 by plumes from forest fires in Russia. The absorption coefficient peaked in the winter when soot-containing particles derived from biomass burning were present. The higher relative absorption coefficients resulted in lower single scattering albedo in winter. The optical properties varied also with wind direction and time of the day, indicating the effect of the local pollutant sources and the age of the particles. Peak values in the single scattering albedo were observed when the wind blew from a paper mill and from the sector without local pollutant sources. These observations were linked, respectively, to the sulphate-rich aerosol from the paper mill and the oxygenated organics in the aged aerosol, which both are known to increase the scattering characteristics of aerosols. Decreases in the single scattering albedo in the morning and afternoon, distinct in the summertime, were linked to the increased traffic density at these hours. The scattering and absorption coefficients of residential and long-range transported aerosol (two separate cloud events) were found to be decreased by clouds. The effect was stronger for the scattering than absorption, indicating preferential activation of the more hygroscopic aerosol with higher scattering characteristics.

scholarly journals Benefit of depolarization ratio at λ = 1064 nm for the retrieval of the aerosol microphysics from lidar measurements

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 3773-3781 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Gasteiger ◽  
V. Freudenthaler
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Mass Concentration ◽  
Volcanic Ash ◽  
Single Scattering ◽  
Depolarization Ratio ◽  
Complex Relation ◽  
Microphysical Properties ◽  
Lidar Measurements ◽  
Increased Sensitivity ◽  
Linear Depolarization Ratio

Abstract. A better quantification of aerosol properties is required for improving the modelling of aerosol effects on weather and climate. This task is methodologically demanding due to the diversity of the microphysical properties of aerosols and the complex relation between their microphysical and optical properties. Advanced lidar systems provide spatially and temporally resolved information on the aerosol optical properties that is sufficient for the retrieval of important aerosol microphysical properties. Recently, the mass concentration of transported volcanic ash, which is relevant for the flight safety of aeroplanes, was retrieved from measurements of such lidar systems in southern Germany. The relative uncertainty of the retrieved mass concentration was on the order of ±50%. The present study investigates improvements of the retrieval accuracy when the capability of measuring the linear depolarization ratio at 1064 nm is added to the lidar setup. The lidar setups under investigation are based on those of MULIS and POLIS of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich (Germany) which measure the linear depolarization ratio at 355 and 532 nm with high accuracy. The improvements are determined by comparing uncertainties from retrievals applied to simulated measurements of this lidar setup with uncertainties obtained when the depolarization at 1064 nm is added to this setup. The simulated measurements are based on real lidar measurements of transported Eyjafjallajökull volcano ash. It is found that additional 1064 nm depolarization measurements significantly reduce the uncertainty of the retrieved mass concentration and effective particle size. This significant improvement in accuracy is the result of the increased sensitivity of the lidar setup to larger particles. The size dependence of the depolarization does not vary strongly with refractive index, thus we expect similar benefits for the retrieval in case of measurements of other volcanic ash compositions and also for transported desert dust. For the retrieval of the single scattering albedo, which is relevant to the radiative transfer in aerosol layers, no significant improvements were found.

scholarly journals Aerosol retrieval from multiangle, multispectral photopolarimetric measurements: importance of spectral range and angular resolution

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 2625-2638 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Wu ◽  
O. Hasekamp ◽  
B. van Diedenhoven ◽  
B. Cairns
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Index ◽  
Spectral Range ◽  
Angular Resolution ◽  
Single Scattering ◽  
Microphysical Properties ◽  
Aerosol Retrieval ◽  
Spectral Ranges ◽  
Shortwave Infrared ◽  
Aerosol Properties ◽  
Good Agreement

Abstract. We investigated the importance of spectral range and angular resolution for aerosol retrieval from multiangle photopolarimetric measurements over land. For this purpose, we use an extensive set of simulated measurements for different spectral ranges and angular resolutions and subsets of real measurements of the airborne Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) carried out during the PODEX and SEAC4RS campaigns over the continental USA. Aerosol retrievals performed from RSP measurements show good agreement with ground-based AERONET measurements for aerosol optical depth (AOD), single scattering albedo (SSA) and refractive index. Furthermore, we found that inclusion of shortwave infrared bands (1590 and/or 2250 nm) significantly improves the retrieval of AOD, SSA and coarse mode microphysical properties. However, accuracies of the retrieved aerosol properties do not improve significantly when more than five viewing angles are used in the retrieval.

scholarly journals Aerosol light-scattering enhancement due to water uptake during the TCAP campaign

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 7031-7043 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Titos ◽  
A. Jefferson ◽  
P. J. Sheridan ◽  
E. Andrews ◽  
H. Lyamani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Light Scattering ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Single Scattering ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Cape Cod ◽  
Hygroscopic Growth ◽  
Aerosol Optical Properties ◽  
Aerosol Parameters

Abstract. Aerosol optical properties were measured by the DOE/ARM (US Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurements) Program Mobile Facility during the Two-Column Aerosol Project (TCAP) campaign deployed at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, for a 1-year period (from summer 2012 to summer 2013). Measured optical properties included aerosol light-absorption coefficient (σap) at low relative humidity (RH) and aerosol light-scattering coefficient (σsp) at low and at RH values varying from 30 to 85%, approximately. Calculated variables included the single scattering albedo (SSA), the scattering Ångström exponent (SAE) and the scattering enhancement factor (f(RH)). Over the period of measurement, f(RH = 80%) had a mean value of 1.9 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.4 in the PM10 and PM1 fractions, respectively. Higher f(RH = 80%) values were observed for wind directions from 0 to 180° (marine sector) together with high SSA and low SAE values. The wind sector from 225 to 315° was identified as an anthropogenically influenced sector, and it was characterized by smaller, darker and less hygroscopic aerosols. For the marine sector, f(RH = 80%) was 2.2 compared with a value of 1.8 obtained for the anthropogenically influenced sector. The air-mass backward trajectory analysis agreed well with the wind sector analysis. It shows low cluster to cluster variability except for air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean that showed higher hygroscopicity. Knowledge of the effect of RH on aerosol optical properties is of great importance for climate forcing calculations and for comparison of in situ measurements with satellite and remote sensing retrievals. In this sense, predictive capability of f(RH) for use in climate models would be enhanced if other aerosol parameters could be used as proxies to estimate hygroscopic growth. Toward this goal, we propose an exponential equation that successfully estimates aerosol hygroscopicity as a function of SSA at Cape Cod. Further work is needed to determine if the equation obtained is valid in other environments.

scholarly journals Benefit of depolarization ratio at λ = 1064 nm for the retrieval of the aerosol microphysics from lidar measurements

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 5095-5115
Author(s):  
J. Gasteiger ◽  
V. Freudenthaler
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Mass Concentration ◽  
Single Scattering ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Depolarization Ratio ◽  
Aerosol Composition ◽  
Microphysical Properties ◽  
Lidar Measurements ◽  
Increased Sensitivity ◽  
Linear Depolarization Ratio

Abstract. A better quantification of aerosol microphysical and optical properties is required to improve the modelling of aerosol effects on weather and climate. This task is methodologically demanding due to the huge diversity of aerosol composition and of their shape and size distribution, and due to the complexity of the relation between the microphysical and optical properties. Lidar remote sensing is a valuable tool to gain spatially and temporally resolved information on aerosol properties. Advanced lidar systems provide sufficient information on the aerosol optical properties for the retrieval of important aerosol microphysical properties. Recently, the mass concentration of transported volcanic ash, which is relevant for the flight safety of airplanes, was retrieved from measurements of such lidar systems in Southern Germany. The relative uncertainty of the retrieved mass concentration was on the order of ±50%. The present study investigates improvements of the retrieval accuracy when the capability of measuring the linear depolarization ratio at 1064 nm is added to the lidar setup. The lidar setups under investigation are based on the setup of MULIS and POLIS of the LMU in Munich which measure the linear depolarization ratio at 355 nm and 532 nm with high accuracy. By comparing results of retrievals applied to simulated lidar measurements with and without the depolarization at 1064 nm it is found that the availability of 1064 nm depolarization measurements reduces the uncertainty of the retrieved mass concentration and effective particle size by a factor of about 2–3. This significant improvement in accuracy is the result of the increased sensitivity of the lidar setup to larger particles. However, the retrieval of the single scattering albedo, which is relevant for the radiative transfer in aerosol layers, does hardly benefit from the availability of 1064 nm depolarization measurements.

scholarly journals Rehearsal for Assessment of atmospheric optical Properties during biomass burning Events and Long-range transportation episodes at Metropolitan Area of São Paulo-Brazil (RAPEL)

2018 ◽  
Vol 176 ◽  
pp. 08011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fábio J. S. Lopes ◽  
Juan Luis Guerrero-Rascado ◽  
Jose A. Benavent-Oltra ◽  
Roberto Román ◽  
Gregori A. Moreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Long Range ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Vertical Profiles ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Inversion Algorithm ◽  
Aerosol Transport ◽  
Aerosol Optical Properties ◽  
Aerosol Properties

During the period of August-September 2016 an intensive campaign was carried out to assess aerosol properties in São Paulo-Brazil aiming to detect long-range aerosol transport events and to characterize the instrument regarding data quality. Aerosol optical properties retrieved by the GALION - LALINET SPU lidar station and collocated AERONET sunphotometer system are presented as extinction/ backscatter vertical profiles with microphysical products retrieved with GRASP inversion algorithm.

scholarly journals Intercomparison of biomass burning aerosol optical properties from in situ and remote-sensing instruments in ORACLES-2016

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (14) ◽  
pp. 9181-9208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Pistone ◽  
Jens Redemann ◽  
Sarah Doherty ◽  
Paquita Zuidema ◽  
Sharon Burton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Biomass Burning ◽  
Radiative Forcing ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Single Scattering ◽  
Single Scattering Albedo ◽  
Aerosol Optical Properties ◽  
Biomass Burning Aerosol

Abstract. The total effect of aerosols, both directly and on cloud properties, remains the biggest source of uncertainty in anthropogenic radiative forcing on the climate. Correct characterization of intensive aerosol optical properties, particularly in conditions where absorbing aerosol is present, is a crucial factor in quantifying these effects. The southeast Atlantic Ocean (SEA), with seasonal biomass burning smoke plumes overlying and mixing with a persistent stratocumulus cloud deck, offers an excellent natural laboratory to make the observations necessary to understand the complexities of aerosol–cloud–radiation interactions. The first field deployment of the NASA ORACLES (ObseRvations of Aerosols above CLouds and their intEractionS) campaign was conducted in September of 2016 out of Walvis Bay, Namibia. Data collected during ORACLES-2016 are used to derive aerosol properties from an unprecedented number of simultaneous measurement techniques over this region. Here, we present results from six of the eight independent instruments or instrument combinations, all applied to measure or retrieve aerosol absorption and single-scattering albedo. Most but not all of the biomass burning aerosol was located in the free troposphere, in relative humidities typically ranging up to 60 %. We present the single-scattering albedo (SSA), absorbing and total aerosol optical depth (AAOD and AOD), and absorption, scattering, and extinction Ångström exponents (AAE, SAE, and EAE, respectively) for specific case studies looking at near-coincident and near-colocated measurements from multiple instruments, and SSAs for the broader campaign average over the month-long deployment. For the case studies, we find that SSA agrees within the measurement uncertainties between multiple instruments, though, over all cases, there is no strong correlation between values reported by one instrument and another. We also find that agreement between the instruments is more robust at higher aerosol loading (AOD400>0.4). The campaign-wide average and range shows differences in the values measured by each instrument. We find the ORACLES-2016 campaign-average SSA at 500 nm (SSA500) to be between 0.85 and 0.88, depending on the instrument considered (4STAR, AirMSPI, or in situ measurements), with the interquartile ranges for all instruments between 0.83 and 0.89. This is consistent with previous September values reported over the region (between 0.84 and 0.90 for SSA at 550nm). The results suggest that the differences observed in the campaign-average values may be dominated by instrument-specific spatial sampling differences and the natural physical variability in aerosol conditions over the SEA, rather than fundamental methodological differences.

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