Development of on-site self-calibration and retrieval methods for sky-radiometer observations of precipitable water vapor

The Prede sky radiometer measures direct solar irradiance and the angular distribution of diffuse radiances at the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths. These data are utilized for the remote sensing of aerosols, water vapor, ozone, and clouds, but the calibration constant, which is the sensor output current of the extraterrestrial solar irradiance at the mean distance between Earth and the Sun, is needed. The aerosol channels, which are the weak gas absorption wavelengths of 340, 380, 400, 500, 675, 870, and 1020 nm, can be calibrated by an on-site self-calibration method, the Improved Langley method. This on-site self-calibration method is useful for the continuous long-term observation of aerosol properties. However, the continuous long-term observation of precipitable water vapor (PWV) by the sky radiometer remains challenging because calibrating the water vapor absorption channel of 940 nm generally relies on the standard Langley (SL) method at limited observation sites (e.g., the Mauna Loa Observatory) and the transfer of the calibration constant by a side-by-side comparison with the reference sky radiometer calibrated by the SL method. In this study, we developed the SKYMAP algorithm, a new on-site method of self-calibrating the water vapor channel of the sky radiometer using diffuse radiances normalized by direct solar irradiance (normalized radiances). Because the sky radiometer measures direct solar irradiance and diffuse radiance using the same sensor, the normalization cancels the calibration constant included in the measurements. The SKYMAP algorithm consists of three steps. First, aerosol optical and microphysical properties are retrieved using direct solar irradiances and normalized radiances at aerosol channels. The aerosol optical properties at the water vapor channel are interpolated from those at aerosol channels. Second, PWV is retrieved using the angular distribution of the normalized radiances at the water vapor channel. Third, the calibration constant at the water vapor channel is estimated from the transmittance of PWV and aerosol optical properties. Intensive sensitivity tests of the SKYMAP algorithm using simulated data of the sky radiometer showed that the calibration constant is retrieved reasonably well for PWV<2 cm, which indicates that the SKYMAP algorithm can calibrate the water vapor channel on-site in dry conditions. Next, the SKYMAP algorithm was applied to actual measurements under the clear-sky and low-PWV (<2 cm) conditions at two sites, Tsukuba and Chiba, Japan, and the annual mean calibration constants at the two sites were determined. The SKYMAP-derived calibration constants were 10.1 % and 3.2 % lower, respectively, than those determined by a side-by-side comparison with the reference sky radiometer. After determining the calibration constant, we obtained PWV from the direct solar irradiances in both the dry and wet seasons. The retrieved PWV values corresponded well to those derived from a global-navigation-satellite-system–global-positioning-system receiver, a microwave radiometer, and an AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) sun–sky radiometer at both sites. The correlation coefficients were greater than 0.96. We calculated the bias errors and the root mean square errors by comparing PWV between the DSRAD (direct solar irradiance) algorithm and other instruments. The magnitude of the bias error and the root mean square error were <0.163 and <0.251 cm for PWV<3 cm, respectively. However, our method tended to underestimate PWV in the wet conditions, and the magnitude of the bias error and the root mean square error became large, <0.594 and <0.722 cm for PWV>3 cm, respectively. This problem was mainly due to the overestimation of the aerosol optical thickness before the retrieval of PWV. These results show that the SKYMAP algorithm enables us to observe PWV over the long term, based on its unique on-site self-calibration method.

Design, Manufacture and Testing of a S Type Force Transducer

This paper presents the methodology of designing a transducer for the experimental measurement of forces. For this purpose, an elastic element of the shape of the letter "S" is designed and manufactured. The elastic element designed in SolidWorks is subjected to virtual testing, using the finite element method in ANSYS. After validating the results obtained considering the maximum values ​​of the stresses that appear for the nominal load, the experimental model of the transducer is realized. The central part of the elastic element behaves like a fixed double beam subjected to bend by the measuring force. On this beam are bonded strain gauge transducers, which measure the deformations produced by bending. The transducer is calibrated, in order to obtain the calibration constant, based on the obtained characteristic, that is, the dependence of the specific strain-deformation and force. The transducer thus constructed can be used in force measurement applications.

Development of on-site self-calibration and retrieval methods for sky-radiometer observations of precipitable water vapor

The Prede sky-radiometer, whose aerosol channels are calibrated by on-site measurements (the Improved Langley method), has been used for continuous long-term observation of aerosol properties. However, continuous long-term observation of precipitable water vapor (PWV) by sky-radiometer remain challenge, because the water vapor channel is generally calibrated by the standard Langley method at limited observation sites (e.g., the Mauna Loa Observatory). In this study, we developed SKYMAP, a new onsite self-calibration method for the water vapor channel of the Prede sky-radiometer using diffuse radiances normalized by direct solar irradiance. The SKYMAP algorithm consists of three steps. First, aerosol optical and microphysical properties are retrieved using direct solar irradiances and the normalized diffuse radiances at aerosol channels. The aerosol optical properties at the water vapor channel are interpolated from those at aerosol channels. Second, the transmittance of PWV is retrieved using the diffuse radiance normalized to the direct solar irradiance at the water vapor channel, which does not need the calibration constant. Third, the calibration constant at the water vapor channel is estimated from the transmittance of PWV and aerosol optical properties. Intensive sensitivity tests of SKYMAP using simulated data of the sky-radiometer showed that the calibration constant is retrieved reasonably well for PWV < 2 cm, indicating that SKYMAP can calibrate the water vapor channel on-site in dry conditions. Then SKYMAP was applied to actual measurements in the dry season at two sites (Tsukuba and Chiba, Japan). Because the SKYMAP algorithm is useful for clear-sky and low PWV (< 2 cm) conditions, the water vapor channel was calibrated for the dry season. After determining the calibration constant, PWV is able to be retrieved using direct solar irradiances for the whole year. The retrieved PWV values correspond well to those derived from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)/Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a microwave radiometer, and a AERONET sun-sky radiometer at both sites (correlation coefficient γ > 0.96), indicating that the Prede sky-radiometer provides both aerosol and PWV data based on its unique on-site calibration methods.

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

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.

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

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.

A Feasible Calibration Method for Type 1 Open Ocean Water LiDAR Data Based on Bio-Optical Models

Accurate calibration of oceanic LiDAR signals is essential for the accurate retrieval of ocean optical properties. Nowadays, there are many methods for aerosol LiDAR calibration, but fewer attempts have been made to implement specific calibration methods for oceanic LiDAR. Oceanic LiDAR often has higher vertical resolution, needs greater signal dynamic range, detects several orders of magnitude lower less depth of penetration, and suffers from the effects of the air-sea interface. Therefore the calibration methods for aerosol LiDAR may not be useful for oceanic LiDAR. In this paper, we present a new simple and feasible approach for oceanic LiDAR calibration via comparison of LiDAR backscatter against calculated scatter based on iteratively bio-optical models in clear, open ocean, Type 1 water. Compared with current aerosol LiDAR calibration methods, it particularly considers geometric losses and attenuation occurring in the atmosphere-sea interface. The mean relative error percentage (MREP) of LiDAR calibration constant at two different stations was all within 0.08%. The MREP between LiDAR-retrieved backscatter, chlorophyll after using LiDAR calibration constant with inversion results of measured data were within 0.18% and 1.39%, respectively. These findings indicate that the bio-optical methods for LiDAR calibration in clear ocean water are feasible and effective.

The instrument constant of sky radiometers (POM-02) – Part 1: Calibration constant

Ground-based networks have been developed to determine the spatiotemporal distribution of the optical properties of aerosols using radiometers. In this study, the precision of the calibration constant (V0) for the sky radiometer (POM-02) that is used by SKYNET was investigated. The temperature dependence of the sensor output was also investigated, and the dependence in the 340, 380, and 2200 nm channels was found to be larger than for other channels and varied with the instrument. In the summer, the sensor output had to be corrected by a factor of 1.5 % to 2 % in the 340 and 380 nm channels and by 4 % in the 2200 nm channel in the measurements at Tsukuba (36.05∘ N, 140.13∘ E), with a monthly mean temperature range of 2.7 to 25.5 ∘C. In the other channels, the correction factors were less than 0.5 %. The coefficient of variation (CV, standard deviation/mean) of V0 from the normal Langley method, based on the data measured at the NOAA Mauna Loa Observatory, is between 0.2 % and 1.3 %, except in the 940 nm channel. The effect of gas absorption was less than 1 % in the 1225, 1627, and 2200 nm channels. The degradation of V0 for wavelengths shorter than 400 nm (−10 % to −4 % per year) was larger than that for wavelengths longer than 500 nm (−1 to nearly 0 % per year). The CV of V0 transferred from the reference POM-02 was 0.1 % to 0.5 %. Here, the data were simultaneously taken at 1 min intervals on a fine day, and data when the air mass was less than 2.5 were compared. The V0 determined by the improved Langley (IML) method had a seasonal variation of 1 % to 3 %. The root mean square error (RMSE) from the IML method was about 0.6 % to 2.5 %, and in some cases the maximum difference reached 5 %. The trend in V0 after removing the seasonal variation was almost the same as for the normal Langley method. Furthermore, the calibration constants determined by the IML method had much higher noise than those transferred from the reference. The modified Langley method was used to calibrate the 940 nm channel with on-site measurement data. The V0 obtained with the modified Langley method compared to the Langley method was 1 % more accurate on stable and fine days. The general method was also used to calibrate the shortwave-infrared channels (1225, 1627, and 2200 nm) with on-site measurement data; the V0 obtained with the general method differed from that obtained with the Langley method of V0 by 0.8 %, 0.4 %, and 0.1 % in December 2015, respectively.

Preliminary Analysis of Wind Retrieval Based on GF-3 Wave Mode Images

In this paper, we analyze the measurements of the normalized radar cross-section(NRCS) in Wave Mode for Chinese C-band Gaofen-3(GF-3) synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Based on 2779 images from GF-3 quad-polarization SAR in Wave Mode and collocated wind vectors from ERA-Interim, we verify the feasibility of using ocean surface wind fields and VV-polarized NRCS to perform normalized calibration. The method uses well-validated empirical C-band geophysical model function (CMOD4) to estimate the calibration constant for each beam. The Amazon rainforest experiment results show that the accuracy of obtained calibration constant meets the requirements. In addition, the relationship between cross-pol NRCS and wind vectors is discussed. The cross-pol NRCS increases linearly with wind speed and it has an approximate cosine modulation with the wind direction when the wind speed is greater than 8m/s. The cross-polarized system noise floor is low enough to ignore it in wind retrieval. Furthermore, we also investigate the properties of the polarization ratio, denoted PR, and show that it is dependent on incidence angle and azimuth angle. Two empirical models of the PR are fitted, one as a function of incidence angle only, the other with additional dependence on azimuth angle. Assessments show that the &sigma;_VV^0 retrieved from new PR models as well as &sigma;_HH^0 is in good agreement with &sigma;_VV^0 extracted from SAR images directly. And it is also shown that considering the azimuth angle can improve polarization conversion accuracy.

Intercomparison of aerosol measurements performed with multi-wavelength Raman lidars, automatic lidars and ceilometers in the framework of INTERACT-II campaign

Following the previous efforts of INTERACT (INTERcomparison of Aerosol and Cloud Tracking), the INTERACT-II campaign used multi-wavelength Raman lidar measurements to assess the performance of an automatic compact micro-pulse lidar (MiniMPL) and two ceilometers (CL51 and CS135) in providing reliable information about optical and geometric atmospheric aerosol properties. The campaign took place at the CNR-IMAA Atmospheric Observatory (760 ma.s.l.; 40.60∘ N, 15.72∘ E) in the framework of ACTRIS-2 (Aerosol Clouds Trace gases Research InfraStructure) H2020 project. Co-located simultaneous measurements involving a MiniMPL, two ceilometers and two EARLINET multi-wavelength Raman lidars were performed from July to December 2016. The intercomparison highlighted that the MiniMPL range-corrected signals (RCSs) show, on average, a fractional difference with respect to those of CNR-IMAA Atmospheric Observatory (CIAO) lidars ranging from 5 to 15 % below 2.0 km a.s.l. (above sea level), largely due to the use of an inaccurate overlap correction, and smaller than 5 % in the free troposphere. For the CL51, the attenuated backscatter values have an average fractional difference with respect to CIAO lidars < 20–30 % below 3 km and larger above. The variability of the CL51 calibration constant is within ±46 %. For the CS135, the performance is similar to the CL51 below 2.0 kma.s.l., while in the region above 3 kma.s.l. the differences are about ±40 %. The variability of the CS135 normalization constant is within ±47 %. Finally, additional tests performed during the campaign using the CHM15k ceilometer operated at CIAO showed the clear need to investigate the CHM15k historical dataset (2010–2016) to evaluate potential effects of ceilometer laser fluctuations on calibration stability. The number of laser pulses shows an average variability of 10 % with respect to the nominal power which conforms to the ceilometer specifications. Nevertheless, laser pulses variability follows seasonal behavior with an increase in the number of laser pulses in summer and a decrease in winter. This contributes to explain the dependency of the ceilometer calibration constant on the environmental temperature hypothesized during INTERACT.