R. M. Welch

Multiangular approach in simultaneous retrieval of multiple aerosol optical properties

The POLarization and directionality of the Earths Reflectances (POLDER) instrument onboard the Japanese ADEOS satellite offers unique possibilities for the retrieval of aerosol parameters with its polarization and multi-angular capability. In this study we examine a technique that simultaneously retrieves multiple aerosol parameters, namely asymmetry factor, single-scattering albedo, surface albedo, and optical thickness, using simulated multiangular POLDER reflectances. It is found that, for a typical illumination and observation geometry, these parameters can be retrieved rather accurately in the absence of noise. The retrieval accuracy deteriorates considerably, but remains tolerable, when a 0.1% white noise is present. The retrieval of these parameters in a more realistic atmosphere, i.e. with Rayleigh scattering, achieves similar accuracies, provided the assumption of the aerosol profile is valid. Indeed, this technique is sensitive to the aerosol profile assumed in the radiative transfer model.