Liu Wq

Retrieval of atmospheric visibility from multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy

The multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) technique is being widely used in the monitoring of trace gases column density. In this paper, a retrieval method of visibility from O4 slant column density measured with MAX-DOAS is present. O4 slant column density is sensitive to the change of aerosol properties, and aerosol properties determine the atmospheric visibility. The relationship of atmospheric visibility and O4 slant column density is analyzed, and a retrieval algorithm to convert the O4 differential slant column density into visibility is described. MAX-DOAS observation is carried out, and atmospheric visibility is retrieved successfully. The visibility measured with MAX-DOAS shows good agreement with the result obtained with visibility meter, proving the feasibility of the retrieval method. This research presents a simple and effective monitoring method of visibility with MAX-DOAS, expands the application of MAX-DOAS technique.