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Detecting Super-Thin Clouds With Polarized LightWe report a novel method for detecting cloud particles in the atmosphere. Solar radiation backscattered from clouds is studied with both satellite data and a radiative transfer model. A distinct feature is found in the angle of linear polarization of solar radiation that is backscattered from clouds. The dominant backscattered electric field from the clear-sky Earth-atmosphere system is nearly parallel to the Earth surface. However, when clouds are present, this electric field can rotate significantly away from the parallel direction. Model results demonstrate that this polarization feature can be used to detect super-thin cirrus clouds having an optical depth of only ~0.06 and super-thin liquid water clouds having an optical depth of only ~0.01. Such clouds are too thin to be sensed using any current passive satellite instruments.
Document ID
20140006229
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Sun, Wenbo
(Science Systems and Applications, Inc. Hampton, VA, United States)
Videen, Gorden
(Army Research Lab. Adelphi, MD, United States)
Mishchenko, Michael I.
(NASA Goddard Inst. for Space Studies New York, NY, United States)
Date Acquired
May 27, 2014
Publication Date
January 28, 2014
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 41
Issue: 2
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Report/Patent Number
NF1676L-17703
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 304029.01.04.02.02.01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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