Validation of lidar and satellite remote sensing

Validation of observations is an important part of any remote sensing program. With respect to aerosols this is exceedingly difficult because each technique typically measures a different aerosol parameter. Correlative sensors, therefore, must be capable of measuring the same parameter over the same size range or include enough measurements to properly characterize the aerosol, possibly with the assistance of models. In any correlative measurement program, simultaneity in space and time is required. This can be less restrictive during periods of atmospheric stability. The discussion is presented which is focused on the validation programs developed for NASA's Stratospheric Aerosol Measurement (SAM II), and the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiments I and II (SAGE I and II). To date these were limited to the stratosphere. Since satellite sensors are capable of providing near-global and long-term observations, periodic correlative observations over various global locations and seasons are required for assuring that data quality is unchanged, or for understanding any changes observed.