Remote measurement of aerosol optical properties using the NOAA POES AVHRR during ACE-1, TARFOX and ACE-2
By:  Peter J. Smith
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 59
Description: A radiative transfer algorithm in the solar wavelengths for the NOAA POES AVHRR is presented for the cloud-free, marine atmosphere. This algorithm combines linearized, single-scattering theory with an estimate of bi-directional surface reflectance. Phase functions are parameterized using an aerosol distribution model and the      ratio of radiance values measured in channels 1 and 2 of the AVHRR. Automated cloud screening and sun glint      removal is included. Retrieved satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) is compared to surface measured sunphotometer AOD collected during the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) Project's Second Aerosol Characterization  Experiment (ACE-2) from June 16 to July 25, 1997. The comparison data set has a correlation coefficient of 0.88 with a standard error of 0.02 at both channel 1 and 2 wavelengths.  Regional aerosol properties are examined with an emphasis on the differences between the ACE-1, TARFOX and ACE-2 regions. ACE-1 and ACE-2 regions have strong modes at AOD at around 0.1, but ACE-2 tails toward higher values consistent with urban and dust aerosol intrusion. The TARFOX region has a noticeable mode at AOD around 0.2, but has significant spread of AOD values consistent with the varied aerosol constituents in that area.
Notes: "December 1998."

Thesis advisor(s): Philip A. Durkee.

Thesis (M.S. in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography) Naval Postgraduate School, December 1998.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 55-58).

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat reader.

US Navy (USN) author.

dk/dk cc:9116 3/3/99.