Inversion of multiangle sky radiance measurements for the retrieval of atmospheric optical properties 2. Application

Abstract

In the first paper of this series, we described an inversion scheme that retrieves single scattering albedo and phase function from multiangle sky radiance measured at the ground. In this paper, this technique is applied to synthetic Cimel measurements with varying levels of random noise. Our results show that the technique is robust. Good results have been obtained even when strong noise is present. Sensitivity studies have been conducted to analyze the influence of errors in surface albedo and total optical thickness on retrieval. No significant effects have been found due to 10% total optical thickness error, or as large as 100% surface albedo error. However, errors in both factors may have an impact on the retrieval of single scattering albedo. In this paper, the developed technique is also applied successfully to Cimel measurements provided by Aerosol Robotic Network. Retrieved optical properties are compared with those calculated from the aerosol physical properties retrieved by the Dubovik algorithm. A good agreement between the two properties was found.