Satellite measurement of aerosol mass over landThe estimation of aerosol optical thickness and mass from satellite observations over land is demonstrated using data from the GOES Visible/IR Spin-Scan Radiometer for the eastern U.S. The post-launch calibration technique is described; the algorithm used to derive optical thickness from the radiance of scattered sunlight (by means of a radiative-transfer model in which the optical characteristics of the aerosol are assumed) is presented; and data on aerosol S for July 31, 1980 are analyzed. The results are presented in a series of graphs and maps and compared with ground-based data. The errors in the optical thickness and columnar mass are estimated as 15 and 40 percent, respectively, and the need for independent-data-set validation of satellite-based mass, transport, and divergence values is indicated.
Document ID
19850055577
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Fraser, R. S. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Laboratory for Atmospheric Sciences, Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Kaufman, Y. J. (Maryland, University College Park, MD, United States)
Mahoney, R. L. (Science Systems and Applications, Inc. Seabrook, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Subject Category
Geophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Conference on Satellite/Remote Sensing and Applications