Articles | Volume 15, issue 20
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-11909-2015
© Author(s) 2015. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-11909-2015
© Author(s) 2015. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
A method to retrieve super-thin cloud optical depth over ocean background with polarized sunlight
W. Sun
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Science Systems and Applications Inc., Hampton, VA 23666, USA
Mail Stop 420, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23681, USA
R. R. Baize
Science Division, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23681, USA
G. Videen
Space Science Institute, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD 20783, USA
Science Division, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23681, USA
Q. Fu
Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Related authors
Wenbo Sun, Yongxiang Hu, Rosemary R. Baize, Gorden Videen, Sungsoo S. Kim, Young-Jun Choi, Kyungin Kang, Chae Kyung Sim, Minsup Jeong, Ali Omar, Snorre A. Stamnes, David G. MacDonnell, and Evgenij Zubko
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 15583–15586, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-15583-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-15583-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Dusts have a significant impact on climate and environment. Detecting dust using satellite instruments is generally conducted by measuring at multiple observation angles due to the uncertainty of the surface reflection. This report shows that the degree of polarization of reflected light can be used for retrieving the optical depth of dust at backscatter angles only, regardless of surface conditions. This simple method is suitable for surveying dust aerosols over oceans with low-cost satellites.
W. Sun, R. R. Baize, C. Lukashin, and Y. Hu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 7725–7734, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7725-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7725-2015, 2015
W. Sun and C. Lukashin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 10303–10324, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10303-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10303-2013, 2013
Richard M. Schulte, Matthew D. Lebsock, John M. Haynes, and Yongxiang Hu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 3583–3596, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-3583-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-3583-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This paper describes a method to improve the detection of liquid clouds that are easily missed by the CloudSat satellite radar. To address this, we use machine learning techniques to estimate cloud properties (optical depth and droplet size) based on other satellite measurements. The results are compared with data from the MODIS instrument on the Aqua satellite, showing good correlations.
Sanja Dmitrovic, Johnathan W. Hair, Brian L. Collister, Ewan Crosbie, Marta A. Fenn, Richard A. Ferrare, David B. Harper, Chris A. Hostetler, Yongxiang Hu, John A. Reagan, Claire E. Robinson, Shane T. Seaman, Taylor J. Shingler, Kenneth L. Thornhill, Holger Vömel, Xubin Zeng, and Armin Sorooshian
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 3515–3532, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-3515-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-3515-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study introduces and evaluates a new ocean surface wind speed product from the NASA Langley Research Center (LARC) airborne High-Spectral-Resolution Lidar – Generation 2 (HSRL-2) during the NASA ACTIVATE mission. We show that HSRL-2 surface wind speed data are accurate when compared to ground-truth dropsonde measurements. Therefore, the HSRL-2 instrument is able obtain accurate, high-resolution surface wind speed data in airborne field campaigns.
Hongyu Liu, Bo Zhang, Richard H. Moore, Luke D. Ziemba, Richard A. Ferrare, Hyundeok Choi, Armin Sorooshian, David Painemal, Hailong Wang, Michael A. Shook, Amy Jo Scarino, Johnathan W. Hair, Ewan C. Crosbie, Marta A. Fenn, Taylor J. Shingler, Chris A. Hostetler, Gao Chen, Mary M. Kleb, Gan Luo, Fangqun Yu, Jason L. Tackett, Mark A. Vaughan, Yongxiang Hu, Glenn S. Diskin, John B. Nowak, Joshua P. DiGangi, Yonghoon Choi, Christoph A. Keller, and Matthew S. Johnson
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1127, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1127, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We use the GEOS-Chem model to simulate aerosols over the western North Atlantic Ocean (WNAO) during the winter and summer campaigns of ACTIVATE 2020. Model results are evaluated against in situ and remote sensing measurements from two aircraft as well as ground-based and satellite observations. The improved understanding of the aerosol life cycle, composition, transport pathways, and distribution has important implications for characterizing aerosol-cloud-meteorology interactions over the WNAO.
Meng Gao, Bryan A. Franz, Peng-Wang Zhai, Kirk Knobelspiesse, Andrew M. Sayer, Xiaoguang Xu, J. Vanderlei Martins, Brian Cairns, Patricia Castellanos, Guangliang Fu, Neranga Hannadige, Otto Hasekamp, Yongxiang Hu, Amir Ibrahim, Frederick Patt, Anin Puthukkudy, and P. Jeremy Werdell
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 5863–5881, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5863-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5863-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study evaluated the retrievability and uncertainty of aerosol and ocean properties from PACE's HARP2 instrument using enhanced neural network models with the FastMAPOL algorithm. A cascading retrieval method is developed to improve retrieval performance. A global set of simulated HARP2 data is generated and used for uncertainty evaluations. The performance assessment demonstrates that the FastMAPOL algorithm is a viable approach for operational application to HARP2 data after PACE launch.
Neranga K. Hannadige, Peng-Wang Zhai, Meng Gao, Yongxiang Hu, P. Jeremy Werdell, Kirk Knobelspiesse, and Brian Cairns
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 5749–5770, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5749-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5749-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We evaluated the impact of three ocean optical models with different numbers of free parameters on the performance of an aerosol and ocean color remote sensing algorithm using the multi-angle polarimeter (MAP) measurements. It was demonstrated that the three- and seven-parameter bio-optical models can be used to accurately represent both open and coastal waters, whereas the one-parameter model has smaller retrieval uncertainty over open water.
Meng Gao, Kirk Knobelspiesse, Bryan A. Franz, Peng-Wang Zhai, Andrew M. Sayer, Amir Ibrahim, Brian Cairns, Otto Hasekamp, Yongxiang Hu, Vanderlei Martins, P. Jeremy Werdell, and Xiaoguang Xu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 4859–4879, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-4859-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-4859-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
In this work, we assessed the pixel-wise retrieval uncertainties on aerosol and ocean color derived from multi-angle polarimetric measurements. Standard error propagation methods are used to compute the uncertainties. A flexible framework is proposed to evaluate how representative these uncertainties are compared with real retrieval errors. Meanwhile, to assist operational data processing, we optimized the computational speed to evaluate the retrieval uncertainties based on neural networks.
Meng Gao, Bryan A. Franz, Kirk Knobelspiesse, Peng-Wang Zhai, Vanderlei Martins, Sharon Burton, Brian Cairns, Richard Ferrare, Joel Gales, Otto Hasekamp, Yongxiang Hu, Amir Ibrahim, Brent McBride, Anin Puthukkudy, P. Jeremy Werdell, and Xiaoguang Xu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 4083–4110, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-4083-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-4083-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Multi-angle polarimetric measurements can retrieve accurate aerosol properties over complex atmosphere and ocean systems; however, most retrieval algorithms require high computational costs. We propose a deep neural network (NN) forward model to represent the radiative transfer simulation of coupled atmosphere and ocean systems and then conduct simultaneous aerosol and ocean color retrievals on AirHARP measurements. The computational acceleration is 103 times with CPU or 104 times with GPU.
Xiaoyu Hu, Jinming Ge, Jiajing Du, Qinghao Li, Jianping Huang, and Qiang Fu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 1743–1759, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-1743-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-1743-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Cloud radars are powerful instruments that can probe detailed cloud structures. However, radar echoes in the lower atmosphere are always contaminated by clutter. We proposed a multi-dimensional probability distribution function that can effectively discriminate low-level clouds from clutter by considering their different features in several variables. We applied this method to the radar observations at the SACOL site and found the results have good agreement with lidar detection.
Melody A. Avery, Robert A. Ryan, Brian J. Getzewich, Mark A. Vaughan, David M. Winker, Yongxiang Hu, Anne Garnier, Jacques Pelon, and Carolus A. Verhappen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 4539–4563, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4539-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4539-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
CALIOP data users will find more cloud layers detected in V4, with edges that extend further than in V3, for an increase in total atmospheric cloud volume of 6 %–9 % for high-confidence cloud phases and 1 %–2 % for all cloudy bins, including cloud fringes and unknown cloud phases. In V4 there are many fewer cloud layers identified as horizontally oriented ice, particularly in the 3° off-nadir view. Depolarization at 532 nm is the predominant parameter determining cloud thermodynamic phase.
Meng Gao, Peng-Wang Zhai, Bryan A. Franz, Kirk Knobelspiesse, Amir Ibrahim, Brian Cairns, Susanne E. Craig, Guangliang Fu, Otto Hasekamp, Yongxiang Hu, and P. Jeremy Werdell
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 3939–3956, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-3939-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-3939-2020, 2020
Wenbo Sun, Yongxiang Hu, Rosemary R. Baize, Gorden Videen, Sungsoo S. Kim, Young-Jun Choi, Kyungin Kang, Chae Kyung Sim, Minsup Jeong, Ali Omar, Snorre A. Stamnes, David G. MacDonnell, and Evgenij Zubko
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 15583–15586, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-15583-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-15583-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Dusts have a significant impact on climate and environment. Detecting dust using satellite instruments is generally conducted by measuring at multiple observation angles due to the uncertainty of the surface reflection. This report shows that the degree of polarization of reflected light can be used for retrieving the optical depth of dust at backscatter angles only, regardless of surface conditions. This simple method is suitable for surveying dust aerosols over oceans with low-cost satellites.
Meng Gao, Peng-Wang Zhai, Bryan A. Franz, Yongxiang Hu, Kirk Knobelspiesse, P. Jeremy Werdell, Amir Ibrahim, Brian Cairns, and Alison Chase
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 3921–3941, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-3921-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-3921-2019, 2019
Shan Zeng, Mark Vaughan, Zhaoyan Liu, Charles Trepte, Jayanta Kar, Ali Omar, David Winker, Patricia Lucker, Yongxiang Hu, Brian Getzewich, and Melody Avery
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 2261–2285, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-2261-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-2261-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We use a fuzzy k-means (FKM) classifier to assess the ability of the CALIPSO cloud–aerosol discrimination (CAD) algorithm to correctly distinguish between clouds and aerosols detected in the CALIPSO lidar backscatter signals. FKM is an unsupervised learning algorithm, so the classifications it derives are wholly independent from those reported by the CAD scheme. For a full month of measurements, the two techniques agree in ~ 95 % of all cases, providing strong evidence for CAD correctness.
Meloë S. Kacenelenbogen, Mark A. Vaughan, Jens Redemann, Stuart A. Young, Zhaoyan Liu, Yongxiang Hu, Ali H. Omar, Samuel LeBlanc, Yohei Shinozuka, John Livingston, Qin Zhang, and Kathleen A. Powell
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 4933–4962, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4933-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4933-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Significant efforts are required to estimate the direct radiative effects of aerosols above clouds (DAREcloudy). We have used a combination of passive and active A-Train satellite sensors and derive mainly positive global and regional DAREcloudy values (e.g., global seasonal values between 0.13 and 0.26 W m-2). Despite differences in methods and sensors, the DAREcloudy values in this study are generally higher than previously reported. We discuss the primary reasons for these higher estimates.
Mark Vaughan, Anne Garnier, Damien Josset, Melody Avery, Kam-Pui Lee, Zhaoyan Liu, William Hunt, Jacques Pelon, Yongxiang Hu, Sharon Burton, Johnathan Hair, Jason L. Tackett, Brian Getzewich, Jayanta Kar, and Sharon Rodier
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 51–82, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-51-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-51-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
The version 4 (V4) release of the CALIPSO data products includes substantial improvements to the calibration of the CALIOP 1064 nm channel. In this paper we review the fundamentals of 1064 nm lidar calibration, explain the motivations for the changes made to the algorithm, and describe the mechanics of the V4 calibration technique. Internal consistency checks and comparisons to collocated high spectral resolution lidar measurements show the V4 1064 nm calibration coefficients to within ~ 3 %.
Man-Hae Kim, Ali H. Omar, Jason L. Tackett, Mark A. Vaughan, David M. Winker, Charles R. Trepte, Yongxiang Hu, Zhaoyan Liu, Lamont R. Poole, Michael C. Pitts, Jayanta Kar, and Brian E. Magill
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 6107–6135, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-6107-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-6107-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
This paper discusses recent advances made in distinguishing among different aerosols species detected in the CALIPSO lidar measurements. A new classification algorithm now classifies four different aerosol types in the stratosphere, and the number of aerosol types recognized in the troposphere has increased from six to seven. The lidar ratios characterizing each type have been updated and the effects of these changes on CALIPSO retrievals of aerosol optical depth are examined in detail.
Xiaomei Lu, Yongxiang Hu, Yuekui Yang, Mark Vaughan, Zhaoyan Liu, Sharon Rodier, William Hunt, Kathy Powell, Patricia Lucker, and Charles Trepte
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 3281–3296, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-3281-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-3281-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
This paper presents an innovative retrieval method that translates the CALIOP land surface laser pulse returns into the surface bidirectional reflectance. The surface bidirectional reflectances retrieved from CALIOP measurements contribute complementary data for existing MODIS standard data products and could be used to detect and monitor seasonal surface reflectance changes in high latitude regions where passive MODIS measurements are limited.
Jiming Li, Qiaoyi Lv, Bida Jian, Min Zhang, Chuanfeng Zhao, Qiang Fu, Kazuaki Kawamoto, and Hua Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 7329–7343, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7329-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7329-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
The accurate representation of cloud vertical overlap in atmospheric models is very important for predicting the total cloud cover and calculating the radiative budget. We propose a valid scheme for quantifying the degree of overlap over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). The new scheme parameterizes decorrelation length scale L as a function of wind shear and atmospheric stability and improves the simulation of total cloud cover over TP when the separations between cloud layers are greater than 1 km.
Jinming Ge, Zeen Zhu, Chuang Zheng, Hailing Xie, Tian Zhou, Jianping Huang, and Qiang Fu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9035–9047, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9035-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9035-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
A modified method with a new noise reduction scheme that can reduce the noise distribution to a narrow range is proposed to distinguish clouds and other hydrometeors from noise and recognize more features with weak signal in cloud radar observations. It was found that our method has significant advantages in reducing the rates of both failed negative and false positive hydrometeor identifications in simulated clouds and recognizing clouds with weak signal from our cloud radar observations.
Jin Ming Ge, Huayue Liu, Jianping Huang, and Qiang Fu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 7773–7783, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-7773-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-7773-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Nocturnal low-level jet (NLLJ), which refers to a narrow zone of strong winds, occurs frequently over the Taklimakan Desert. It is found that the NLLJ contains more momentum than without NLLJ, and the downward momentum transfer process is more intense and rapid in the warm season. The coincidence of the larger surface winds during NLLJ days with an enhancement of aerosol optical depth indicates that the NLLJ is an important mechanism for dust emission and transport over this region.
R. Zhang, H. Wang, D. A. Hegg, Y. Qian, S. J. Doherty, C. Dang, P.-L. Ma, P. J. Rasch, and Q. Fu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 12805–12822, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-12805-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-12805-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
We use a global climate model with an explicit source tagging technique to quantify contributions of emissions from various geographical regions and sectors to BC in North America. Model results are evaluated against measurements of near-surface and in-snow BC. We found strong spatial variations of BC and its radiative forcing that can be quantitatively attributed to the various source origins, and also identified a significant source of BC in snow that is likely missing in most climate models.
W. Sun, R. R. Baize, C. Lukashin, and Y. Hu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 7725–7734, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7725-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7725-2015, 2015
R. Zhang, H. Wang, Y. Qian, P. J. Rasch, R. C. Easter, P.-L. Ma, B. Singh, J. Huang, and Q. Fu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 6205–6223, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-6205-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-6205-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
We use the CAM5 model with a novel source-tagging technique to characterize the fate of BC particles emitted from various geographical regions and sectors and their transport pathways to the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau (HTP). We show a comprehensive picture of the seasonal and regional dependence of BC source attributions, and find strong seasonal and spatial variations in BC-in-snow radiative forcing in the HTP that can be quantitatively attributed to the various regional/sectoral sources.
Z. Liu, D. Winker, A. Omar, M. Vaughan, J. Kar, C. Trepte, Y. Hu, and G. Schuster
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 1265–1288, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1265-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-1265-2015, 2015
L. Geng, J. Cole-Dai, B. Alexander, J. Erbland, J. Savarino, A. J. Schauer, E. J. Steig, P. Lin, Q. Fu, and M. C. Zatko
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 13361–13376, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-13361-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-13361-2014, 2014
Short summary
Short summary
Examinations on snowpit and firn core results from Summit, Greenland suggest that there are two mechanisms leading to the observed double nitrate peaks in some years in the industrial era: 1) long-rang transport of nitrate and 2) enhanced local photochemical production of nitrate. Both of these mechanisms are related to pollution transport, as the additional nitrate from either direct transport or enhanced local photochemistry requires enhanced nitrogen sources from anthropogenic emissions.
S. Zeng, J. Riedi, C. R. Trepte, D. M. Winker, and Y.-X. Hu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 7125–7134, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-7125-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-7125-2014, 2014
W. Sun and C. Lukashin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 10303–10324, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10303-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10303-2013, 2013
S. Feng and Q. Fu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 10081–10094, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10081-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10081-2013, 2013
S. Rodier, Y. Hu, and M. Vaughan
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tcd-7-4681-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/tcd-7-4681-2013, 2013
Revised manuscript has not been submitted
R. Zhang, D. A. Hegg, J. Huang, and Q. Fu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 6091–6099, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-6091-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-6091-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Radiation | Research Activity: Remote Sensing | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Physics (physical properties and processes)
Understanding the trends in reflected solar radiation: a latitude- and month-based perspective
Evaluating the representation of Arctic cirrus solar radiative effects in the Integrated Forecasting System with airborne measurements
Uncertainty in simulated brightness temperature due to sensitivity to atmospheric gas spectroscopic parameters from the centimeter- to submillimeter-wave range
Direct observational evidence from space of the effect of CO2 increase on longwave spectral radiances: the unique role of high-spectral-resolution measurements
LIME: Lunar Irradiance Model of ESA, a new tool for absolute radiometric calibration using the Moon
Influence of cloud retrieval errors due to three-dimensional radiative effects on calculations of broadband shortwave cloud radiative effect
Estimation of 1 km downwelling shortwave radiation over the Tibetan Plateau under all-sky conditions
Record-breaking statistics detect islands of cooling in a sea of warming
Radiative closure and cloud effects on the radiation budget based on satellite and shipborne observations during the Arctic summer research cruise, PS106
Impacts of active satellite sensors' low-level cloud detection limitations on cloud radiative forcing in the Arctic
Longwave radiative effect of the cloud–aerosol transition zone based on CERES observations
Ice and mixed-phase cloud statistics on the Antarctic Plateau
Photovoltaic power potential in West Africa using long-term satellite data
A semi-empirical potential energy surface and line list for H216O extending into the near-ultraviolet
Global distribution and 14-year changes in erythemal irradiance, UV atmospheric transmission, and total column ozone for2005–2018 estimated from OMI and EPIC observations
Biomass-burning-induced surface darkening and its impact on regional meteorology in eastern China
Air pollution slows down surface warming over the Tibetan Plateau
Estimation of hourly land surface heat fluxes over the Tibetan Plateau by the combined use of geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites
Estimations of global shortwave direct aerosol radiative effects above opaque water clouds using a combination of A-Train satellite sensors
Uncertainty of atmospheric microwave absorption model: impact on ground-based radiometer simulations and retrievals
Simulated and observed horizontal inhomogeneities of optical thickness of Arctic stratus
Net radiative effects of dust in the tropical North Atlantic based on integrated satellite observations and in situ measurements
Comparison of global observations and trends of total precipitable water derived from microwave radiometers and COSMIC radio occultation from 2006 to 2013
Characterizing energy budget variability at a Sahelian site: a test of NWP model behaviour
Scale dependence of cirrus horizontal heterogeneity effects on TOA measurements – Part I: MODIS brightness temperatures in the thermal infrared
Aerosol scattering effects on water vapor retrievals over the Los Angeles Basin
Directional, horizontal inhomogeneities of cloud optical thickness fields retrieved from ground-based and airbornespectral imaging
Airborne observations of far-infrared upwelling radiance in the Arctic
Retrieval of aerosol optical depth from surface solar radiation measurements using machine learning algorithms, non-linear regression and a radiative transfer-based look-up table
Microwave signatures of ice hydrometeors from ground-based observations above Summit, Greenland
Shortwave direct radiative effects of above-cloud aerosols over global oceans derived from 8 years of CALIOP and MODIS observations
Retrieving high-resolution surface solar radiation with cloud parameters derived by combining MODIS and MTSAT data
Instantaneous longwave radiative impact of ozone: an application on IASI/MetOp observations
Airborne observations and simulations of three-dimensional radiative interactions between Arctic boundary layer clouds and ice floes
Deriving polarization properties of desert-reflected solar spectra with PARASOL data
Using IASI to simulate the total spectrum of outgoing long-wave radiances
Investigation of the "elevated heat pump" hypothesis of the Asian monsoon using satellite observations
Improved retrieval of direct and diffuse downwelling surface shortwave flux in cloudless atmosphere using dynamic estimates of aerosol content and type: application to the LSA-SAF project
Surface-sensible and latent heat fluxes over the Tibetan Plateau from ground measurements, reanalysis, and satellite data
Influence of local surface albedo variability and ice crystal shape on passive remote sensing of thin cirrus
Combining MODIS, AVHRR and in situ data for evapotranspiration estimation over heterogeneous landscape of the Tibetan Plateau
Modeling polarized solar radiation from the ocean–atmosphere system for CLARREO inter-calibration applications
HIRS channel 12 brightness temperature dataset and its correlations with major climate indices
Performance of the Line-By-Line Radiative Transfer Model (LBLRTM) for temperature, water vapor, and trace gas retrievals: recent updates evaluated with IASI case studies
Multi-satellite aerosol observations in the vicinity of clouds
CLARA-SAL: a global 28 yr timeseries of Earth's black-sky surface albedo
Quantitative comparison of the variability in observed and simulated shortwave reflectance
Regional radiative impact of volcanic aerosol from the 2009 eruption of Mt. Redoubt
Airborne hyperspectral observations of surface and cloud directional reflectivity using a commercial digital camera
Direct and semi-direct radiative forcing of smoke aerosols over clouds
Ruixue Li, Bida Jian, Jiming Li, Deyu Wen, Lijie Zhang, Yang Wang, and Yuan Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9777–9803, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9777-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9777-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Hemispheric or interannual averages of reflected solar radiation (RSR) can mask signals from seasonally active or region-specific mechanisms. We examine RSR characteristics from latitude and month perspectives, revealing decreased trends observed by CERES in both hemispheres driven by clear-sky atmospheric and cloud components at 30–50° N and cloud components at 0–50° S. AVHRR achieves symmetry criteria within uncertainty and is suitable for the long-term analysis of hemispheric RSR symmetry.
Johannes Röttenbacher, André Ehrlich, Hanno Müller, Florian Ewald, Anna E. Luebke, Benjamin Kirbus, Robin J. Hogan, and Manfred Wendisch
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8085–8104, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8085-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8085-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Weather prediction models simplify the physical processes related to light scattering by clouds consisting of complex ice crystals. Whether these simplifications are the cause for uncertainties in their prediction can be evaluated by comparing them with measurement data. Here we do this for Arctic ice clouds over sea ice using airborne measurements from two case studies. The model performs well for thick ice clouds but not so well for thin ones. This work can be used to improve the model.
Donatello Gallucci, Domenico Cimini, Emma Turner, Stuart Fox, Philip W. Rosenkranz, Mikhail Y. Tretyakov, Vinia Mattioli, Salvatore Larosa, and Filomena Romano
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 7283–7308, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7283-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-7283-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Nowadays, atmospheric radiative transfer models are widely used to simulate satellite and ground-based observations. A meaningful comparison between observations and simulations requires an estimate of the uncertainty associated with both. This work quantifies the uncertainty in atmospheric radiative transfer models in the microwave range, providing the uncertainty associated with simulations of new-generation satellite microwave sensors.
João Teixeira, R. Chris Wilson, and Heidar Th. Thrastarson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6375–6383, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6375-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6375-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This paper presents direct evidence from space (solely based on observations) that CO2 increase leads to the theoretically expected effects on longwave spectral radiances. This is achieved by using a methodology that allows us to isolate the CO2 effects from the temperature and water vapor effects. By searching for ensembles of temperature and water vapor profiles that are similar to each other but have different values of CO2, it is possible to estimate the direct effects of CO2 on the spectra.
Carlos Toledano, Sarah Taylor, África Barreto, Stefan Adriaensen, Alberto Berjón, Agnieszka Bialek, Ramiro González, Emma Woolliams, and Marc Bouvet
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3649–3671, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3649-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3649-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The calibration of Earth observation sensors is key to ensuring the continuity of long-term and global climate records. Satellite sensors, calibrated prior to launch, are susceptible to degradation in space. The Moon provides a stable calibration reference; however, its illumination depends on the Sun–Earth–Moon geometry and must be modelled. A new lunar irradiance model is presented, built upon observations over 5 years at a high-altitude observatory and a rigorous calibration and validation.
Adeleke S. Ademakinwa, Zahid H. Tushar, Jianyu Zheng, Chenxi Wang, Sanjay Purushotham, Jianwu Wang, Kerry G. Meyer, Tamas Várnai, and Zhibo Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3093–3114, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3093-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3093-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Clouds play a critical role in our climate system. At present and in the near future, satellite-based remote sensing is the only means to obtain regional and global observations of cloud properties. The current satellite remote sensing algorithms are mostly based on the so-called 1D radiative transfer. This deviation from the 3D world reality can lead to large errors. In this study we investigate how this error affects our estimation of cloud radiative effects.
Peizhen Li, Lei Zhong, Yaoming Ma, Yunfei Fu, Meilin Cheng, Xian Wang, Yuting Qi, and Zixin Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 9265–9285, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-9265-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-9265-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper, all-sky downwelling shortwave radiation (DSR) over the entire Tibetan Plateau (TP) at a spatial resolution of 1 km was estimated using an improved parameterization scheme. The influence of topography and different radiative attenuations were comprehensively taken into account. The derived DSR showed good agreement with in situ measurements. The accuracy was better than six other DSR products. The derived DSR also provided more reasonable and detailed spatial patterns.
Elisa T. Sena, Ilan Koren, Orit Altaratz, and Alexander B. Kostinski
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 16111–16122, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-16111-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-16111-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We used record-breaking statistics together with spatial information to create record-breaking SST maps. The maps reveal warming patterns in the overwhelming majority of the ocean and coherent islands of cooling, where low records occur more frequently than high ones. Some of these cooling spots are well known; however, a surprising elliptical area in the Southern Ocean is observed as well. Similar analyses can be performed on other key climatological variables to explore their trend patterns.
Carola Barrientos-Velasco, Hartwig Deneke, Anja Hünerbein, Hannes J. Griesche, Patric Seifert, and Andreas Macke
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 9313–9348, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-9313-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-9313-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This article describes an intercomparison of radiative fluxes and cloud properties from satellite, shipborne observations, and 1D radiative transfer simulations. The analysis focuses on research for PS106 expedition aboard the German research vessel, Polarstern. The results are presented in detailed case studies, time series for the PS106 cruise and extended to the central Arctic region. The findings illustrate the main periods of agreement and discrepancies of both points of view.
Yinghui Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 8151–8173, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-8151-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-8151-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Cloud detection from state-of-art satellite radar and lidar misses low-level clouds. Using in situ observations, this study confirms this cloud detection limitation over the Arctic Ocean. Impacts of this detection limitation from combined satellite radar and lidar on the monthly mean radiation flux estimations at the surface and at the top of the atmosphere in the Arctic are limited but larger from only satellite radar or satellite lidar in monthly mean and instantaneous values.
Babak Jahani, Hendrik Andersen, Josep Calbó, Josep-Abel González, and Jan Cermak
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 1483–1494, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1483-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1483-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The change in the state of sky from cloudy to cloudless (or vice versa) comprises an additional phase called
transition zonewith characteristics laying between those of aerosols and clouds. This study presents an approach for the quantification of the broadband longwave radiative effects of the cloud–aerosol transition zone at the top of the atmosphere during daytime over the ocean based on satellite observations and radiative transfer simulations.
William Cossich, Tiziano Maestri, Davide Magurno, Michele Martinazzo, Gianluca Di Natale, Luca Palchetti, Giovanni Bianchini, and Massimo Del Guasta
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 13811–13833, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-13811-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-13811-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The presence of clouds over Concordia, in the Antarctic Plateau, is investigated. Results are obtained by applying a machine learning algorithm to measurements of the infrared radiation emitted by the atmosphere toward the surface. The clear-sky, ice cloud, and mixed-phase cloud occurrence at different timescales is studied. A comparison with satellite measurements highlights the ability of the algorithm to identify multiple cloud conditions and study their variability at different timescales.
Ina Neher, Susanne Crewell, Stefanie Meilinger, Uwe Pfeifroth, and Jörg Trentmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 12871–12888, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-12871-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-12871-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Photovoltaic power is one current option to meet the rising energy demand with low environmental impact. Global horizontal irradiance (GHI) is the fuel for photovoltaic power installations and needs to be evaluated to plan and dimension power plants. In this study, 35 years of satellite-based GHI data are analyzed over West Africa to determine their impact on photovoltaic power generation. The major challenges for the development of a solar-based power system in West Africa are then outlined.
Eamon K. Conway, Iouli E. Gordon, Jonathan Tennyson, Oleg L. Polyansky, Sergei N. Yurchenko, and Kelly Chance
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 10015–10027, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-10015-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-10015-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Water vapour has a complex spectrum and absorbs from the microwave to the near-UV where it dissociates. There is limited knowledge of the absorption features in the near-UV, and there is a large disagreement for the available models and experiments. We created a new ab initio model that is in good agreement with observation at 363 nm. At lower wavelengths, our calculations suggest that the latest experiments overestimate absorption. This has implications for trace gas retrievals in the near-UV.
Jay Herman, Alexander Cede, Liang Huang, Jerald Ziemke, Omar Torres, Nickolay Krotkov, Matthew Kowalewski, and Karin Blank
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 8351–8380, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-8351-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-8351-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The amount of erythemal irradiance reaching the Earth's surface has been calculated from ozone, aerosol, and reflectivity data obtained from OMI and DSCOVR/EPIC satellite instruments showing areas with high levels of solar UV radiation. Changes in erythemal irradiance, cloud transmission, aerosol transmission, and ozone absorption have been estimated for 14 years 2005–2018 in units of percent per year for 191 locations, mostly large cities, and from EPIC for the entire illuminated Earth.
Rong Tang, Xin Huang, Derong Zhou, and Aijun Ding
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 6177–6191, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-6177-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-6177-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Biomass-burning-induced large areas of dark char (i.e.
surface darkening) could influence the radiative energy balance. During the harvest season in eastern China, satellite retrieval shows that surface albedo was significantly decreased. Observational evidence of meteorological perturbations from the surface darkening is identified, which is further examined by model simulation. This work highlights the importance of burning-induced albedo change in weather forecast and regional climate.
Aolin Jia, Shunlin Liang, Dongdong Wang, Bo Jiang, and Xiaotong Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 881–899, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-881-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-881-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The Tibetan Plateau (TP) plays a vital role in regional and global climate change due to its location and orography. After generating a long-term surface radiation (SR) dataset, we characterized the SR spatiotemporal variation along with temperature. Evidence from multiple data sources indicated that the TP dimming was primarily driven by increased aerosols from human activities, and the cooling effect of aerosol loading offsets TP surface warming, revealing the human impact on regional warming.
Lei Zhong, Yaoming Ma, Zeyong Hu, Yunfei Fu, Yuanyuan Hu, Xian Wang, Meilin Cheng, and Nan Ge
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 5529–5541, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-5529-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-5529-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Fine-temporal-resolution turbulent heat fluxes at the plateau scale have significant importance for studying diurnal variation characteristics of atmospheric boundary and weather systems in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and its surroundings. Time series of land surface heat fluxes with high temporal resolution over the entire TP were derived. The derived surface heat fluxes proved to be in good agreement with in situ measurements and were superior to GLDAS flux products.
Meloë S. Kacenelenbogen, Mark A. Vaughan, Jens Redemann, Stuart A. Young, Zhaoyan Liu, Yongxiang Hu, Ali H. Omar, Samuel LeBlanc, Yohei Shinozuka, John Livingston, Qin Zhang, and Kathleen A. Powell
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 4933–4962, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4933-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4933-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Significant efforts are required to estimate the direct radiative effects of aerosols above clouds (DAREcloudy). We have used a combination of passive and active A-Train satellite sensors and derive mainly positive global and regional DAREcloudy values (e.g., global seasonal values between 0.13 and 0.26 W m-2). Despite differences in methods and sensors, the DAREcloudy values in this study are generally higher than previously reported. We discuss the primary reasons for these higher estimates.
Domenico Cimini, Philip W. Rosenkranz, Mikhail Y. Tretyakov, Maksim A. Koshelev, and Filomena Romano
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 15231–15259, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-15231-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-15231-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
The paper presents a general approach to quantify the uncertainty related to atmospheric absorption models. These models describe how the atmosphere interacts with radiation, and they have general implications for atmospheric sciences.
The presented approach contributes to a better understanding of the total uncertainty affecting atmospheric radiative properties, thus reducing the chances of systematic errors when observations are exploited for weather forecast or climate trend derivations.
Michael Schäfer, Katharina Loewe, André Ehrlich, Corinna Hoose, and Manfred Wendisch
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 13115–13133, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13115-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13115-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Airborne observed horizontal fields of cloud optical thickness are compared with semi-idealized large eddy simulations of Arctic stratus. The comparison focuses on horizontal cloud inhomogeneities and directional features of the small-scale cloud structures. Using inhomogeneity parameters and autocorrelation analysis it is investigated, if the observed small-scale cloud inhomogeneities can be represented by the model. Forcings for cloud inhomogeneities are investigated in a sensitivity study.
Qianqian Song, Zhibo Zhang, Hongbin Yu, Seiji Kato, Ping Yang, Peter Colarco, Lorraine A. Remer, and Claire L. Ryder
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 11303–11322, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11303-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11303-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Mineral dust is the most abundant atmospheric aerosol component in terms of dry mass. In this study, we integrate recent aircraft measurements of dust microphysical and optical properties with satellite retrievals of aerosol and radiative fluxes to quantify the dust direct radiative effects on the shortwave and longwave radiation at both the top of the atmosphere and the surface in the tropical North Atlantic during summer months.
Shu-Peng Ho, Liang Peng, Carl Mears, and Richard A. Anthes
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 259–274, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-259-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-259-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we compare 7 years of atmospheric total precipitable water (TPW) derived from multiple microwave radiometers to collocated TPW estimates derived from COSMIC radio occultation under various atmospheric conditions over the oceans. Results show that these two TPW trends from independent observations are larger than previous estimates and are a strong indication of the positive water vapor–temperature feedback on a warming planet.
Anna Mackie, Paul I. Palmer, and Helen Brindley
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 15095–15119, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-15095-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-15095-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We compare the balance of solar and thermal radiation at the surface and the top of the atmosphere from a forecasting model to observations at a site in Niamey, Niger, in the Sahel. To interpret the energy budgets we examine other factors, such as cloud properties, water vapour and aerosols, which we use to understand the differences between the observation and model. We find that some differences are linked to lack of ice in clouds, underestimated aerosol loading and surface temperatures.
Thomas Fauchez, Steven Platnick, Kerry Meyer, Céline Cornet, Frédéric Szczap, and Tamás Várnai
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 8489–8508, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8489-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8489-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents impact of cirrus cloud horizontal heterogeneity on simulated thermal infrared brightness temperatures at the top of the atmosphere for spatial resolutions ranging from 50 m to 10 km. The cirrus is generated by the 3DCLOUD code and the radiative transfer by the 3DMCPOL code. Brightness temperatures are mostly impacted by the horizontal transport effect and plane-parallel bias at high and coarse spatial resolutions, respectively, with a minimum around 100 m–250 m.
Zhao-Cheng Zeng, Qiong Zhang, Vijay Natraj, Jack S. Margolis, Run-Lie Shia, Sally Newman, Dejian Fu, Thomas J. Pongetti, Kam W. Wong, Stanley P. Sander, Paul O. Wennberg, and Yuk L. Yung
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 2495–2508, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-2495-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-2495-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We propose a novel approach to describing the scattering effects of atmospheric aerosols using H2O retrievals in the near infrared. We found that the aerosol scattering effect is the primary contributor to the variations in the wavelength dependence of the H2O SCD retrievals and the scattering effects can be derived using H2O retrievals from multiple bands. This proposed method could potentially contribute towards reducing biases in greenhouse gas retrievals from space.
Michael Schäfer, Eike Bierwirth, André Ehrlich, Evelyn Jäkel, Frank Werner, and Manfred Wendisch
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 2359–2372, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-2359-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-2359-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Cloud optical thickness fields, retrieved from solar spectral radiance measurements, are used to investigate the directional structure of horizontal cloud inhomogeneities with scalar one-dimensional inhomogeneity parameters, two-dimensional auto-correlation functions, and two-dimensional Fourier analysis. The investigations reveal that it is not sufficient to quantify horizontal cloud inhomogeneities by one-dimensional inhomogeneity parameters; two-dimensional parameters are necessary.
Quentin Libois, Liviu Ivanescu, Jean-Pierre Blanchet, Hannes Schulz, Heiko Bozem, W. Richard Leaitch, Julia Burkart, Jonathan P. D. Abbatt, Andreas B. Herber, Amir A. Aliabadi, and Éric Girard
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 15689–15707, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-15689-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-15689-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The first airborne measurements performed with the FIRR are presented. Vertical profiles of upwelling spectral radiance in the far-infrared are measured in the Arctic atmosphere for the first time. They show the impact of the temperature inversion on the radiative budget of the atmosphere, especially in the far-infrared. The presence of ice clouds also significantly alters the far-infrared budget, highlighting the critical interplay between water vapour and clouds in this very dry region.
Jani Huttunen, Harri Kokkola, Tero Mielonen, Mika Esa Juhani Mononen, Antti Lipponen, Juha Reunanen, Anders Vilhelm Lindfors, Santtu Mikkonen, Kari Erkki Juhani Lehtinen, Natalia Kouremeti, Alkiviadis Bais, Harri Niska, and Antti Arola
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 8181–8191, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8181-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8181-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
For a good estimate of the current forcing by anthropogenic aerosols, knowledge in past is needed. One option to lengthen time series is to retrieve aerosol optical depth from solar radiation measurements. We have evaluated several methods for this task. Most of the methods produce aerosol optical depth estimates with a good accuracy. However, machine learning methods seem to be the most applicable not to produce any systematic biases, since they do not need constrain the aerosol properties.
Claire Pettersen, Ralf Bennartz, Mark S. Kulie, Aronne J. Merrelli, Matthew D. Shupe, and David D. Turner
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 4743–4756, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-4743-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-4743-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We examined four summers of data from a ground-based atmospheric science instrument suite at Summit Station, Greenland, to isolate the signature of the ice precipitation. By using a combination of instruments with different specialities, we identified a passive microwave signature of the ice precipitation. This ice signature compares well to models using synthetic data characteristic of the site.
Zhibo Zhang, Kerry Meyer, Hongbin Yu, Steven Platnick, Peter Colarco, Zhaoyan Liu, and Lazaros Oreopoulos
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 2877–2900, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2877-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2877-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The frequency of occurrence and shortwave direct radiative effects (DRE) of above-cloud aerosols (ACAs) over global oceans are investigated using 8 years of collocated CALIOP and MODIS observations. We estimated that ACAs have a global ocean annual mean diurnally averaged cloudy-sky DRE of 0.015 W m−2 (range of −0.03 to 0.06 W m−2) at TOA. The DREs at surface and within atmosphere are −0.15 W m−2 (range of −0.09 to −0.21 W m−2), and 0.17 W m−2 (range of 0.11 to 0.24 W m−2), respectively.
Wenjun Tang, Jun Qin, Kun Yang, Shaomin Liu, Ning Lu, and Xiaolei Niu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 2543–2557, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2543-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2543-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper, we develop a new method to quickly retrieve high-resolution surface solar radiation (SSR) over China by combining MODIS and MTSAT data. The RMSEs of the retrieved SSR at hourly, daily, and monthly scales are about 98.5, 34.2, and 22.1 W m−2. The accuracy is comparable to or even higher than other two satellite radiation products. Finally, we derive an 8-year high-resolution SSR data set (hourly, 5 km) from 2007 to 2014, which would contribute to studies of land surface processes.
S. Doniki, D. Hurtmans, L. Clarisse, C. Clerbaux, H. M. Worden, K. W. Bowman, and P.-F. Coheur
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 12971–12987, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-12971-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-12971-2015, 2015
M. Schäfer, E. Bierwirth, A. Ehrlich, E. Jäkel, and M. Wendisch
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 8147–8163, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-8147-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-8147-2015, 2015
W. Sun, R. R. Baize, C. Lukashin, and Y. Hu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 7725–7734, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7725-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-7725-2015, 2015
E. C. Turner, H.-T. Lee, and S. F. B. Tett
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 6561–6575, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-6561-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-6561-2015, 2015
M. M. Wonsick, R. T. Pinker, and Y. Ma
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 8749–8761, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-8749-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-8749-2014, 2014
X. Ceamanos, D. Carrer, and J.-L. Roujean
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 8209–8232, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-8209-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-8209-2014, 2014
Q. Shi and S. Liang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 5659–5677, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-5659-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-5659-2014, 2014
C. Fricke, A. Ehrlich, E. Jäkel, B. Bohn, M. Wirth, and M. Wendisch
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 1943–1958, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-1943-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-1943-2014, 2014
Y. Ma, Z. Zhu, L. Zhong, B. Wang, C. Han, Z. Wang, Y. Wang, L. Lu, P. M. Amatya, W. Ma, and Z. Hu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 1507–1515, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-1507-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-1507-2014, 2014
W. Sun and C. Lukashin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 10303–10324, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10303-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10303-2013, 2013
L. Shi, C. J. Schreck III, and V. O. John
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 6907–6920, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-6907-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-6907-2013, 2013
M. J. Alvarado, V. H. Payne, E. J. Mlawer, G. Uymin, M. W. Shephard, K. E. Cady-Pereira, J. S. Delamere, and J.-L. Moncet
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 6687–6711, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-6687-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-6687-2013, 2013
T. Várnai, A. Marshak, and W. Yang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 3899–3908, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-3899-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-3899-2013, 2013
A. Riihelä, T. Manninen, V. Laine, K. Andersson, and F. Kaspar
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 3743–3762, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-3743-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-3743-2013, 2013
Y. L. Roberts, P. Pilewskie, B. C. Kindel, D. R. Feldman, and W. D. Collins
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 3133–3147, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-3133-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-3133-2013, 2013
C. L. Young, I. N. Sokolik, and J. Dufek
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 3699–3715, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-3699-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-3699-2012, 2012
A. Ehrlich, E. Bierwirth, M. Wendisch, A. Herber, and J.-F. Gayet
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 3493–3510, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-3493-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-3493-2012, 2012
E. M. Wilcox
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 139–149, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-139-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-12-139-2012, 2012
Cited articles
Ackerman, S. A., Strabala, K. I., Menzel, W. P., Frey, R. A., Moeller, C. C., and Gumley, L. E.: Discriminating clear sky from clouds with MODIS, J. Geophys. Res., 103, 32141–32157, https://doi.org/10.1029/1998JD200032, 1998.
Ackerman, S. A., Holz, R. E., Frey, R., Eloranta, E. W., Maddux, B. C., and McGill, M.: Cloud detection with MODIS. Part II: Validation, J. Atmos. Ocean. Tech., 25, 1073–1086, https://doi.org/10.1175/2007JTECHA1053.1, 2008.
Baum, B. A., Kratz, D. P., Yang, P., Ou, S. C., Hu, Y., Soulen, P. F., and Tsay, S. C.: Remote sensing of cloud properties using MODIS airborne simulator imagery during SUCCESS. I. Data and models, J. Geophys. Res., 105, 11767–11780, 2000.
Brest, C. L. and Rossow, W. B.: Radiometric calibration and monitoring of NOAA AVHRR data for ISCCP, Int. J. Remote Sens., 13, 235–273, 1992.
Christi, M. J. and Stephens, G. L.: Retrieving profiles of atmospheric CO2 in clear sky and in the presence of thin cloud using spectroscopy from the near and thermal infrared: A preliminary case study, J. Geophys. Res., 109, D04316, https://doi.org/10.1029/2003JD004058, 2004.
Crisp, D., Atlas, R. M., Breon, F.-M., Brown, L. R., Burrows, J. P., Ciais, P., Connor, B. J., Doney, S. C., Fung, I. Y., Jacob, D. J., Miller, C. E., O'Brien, D., Pawson, S., Randerson, J. T., Rayner, P., Salawitch, R. J., Sander, S. P., Sen, B., Stephens, G. L., Tans, P. P., Toon, G. C., Wennberg, P. O., Wofsy, S. C., Yung, Y. L., Kuang, Z., Chudasama, B., Sprague, G., Weiss, B., Pollock, R., Kenyon, D., and Schroll, S.: The orbiting carbon observatory (OCO) mission, Adv. Space Res., 34, 700–709, 2004.
Deirmendjian, D.: Electromagnetic scattering on spherical polydispersions, American Elsevier Publishing Company, Inc., New York, 1969.
Deschamps, P. Y., Breon, F.-M., Leroy, M., Podaire, A., Bricaud, A., Buriez, J.-C., and Seze, G.: The POLDER mission: Instrument characteristics and scientific objectives, IEEE T. Geosci. Remote, 32, 598–615, 1994.
Dessler, A. E. and Yang, P.: The distribution of tropical thin cirrus clouds inferred from Terra MODIS data, J. Climate, 16, 1241–1247, 2003.
Fougnie, B., Bracco, G., Lafrance, B., Ruffel, C., Hagolle, O., and Tinel C.: PARASOL in-flight calibration and performance, Appl. Optics, 46, 5435–5451, 2007.
Fu, Q., Yang, P., and Sun, W.: An accurate parameterization of the infrared radiative properties of cirrus clouds for climate models, J. Climate, 11, 2223–2237, 1998.
Fu, Q., Hu, Y. X., and Yang, Q.: Identifying the top of the tropical tropospause layer from vertical mass flux analysis and CALIPSO lidar cloud observations, Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L14813, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007GL030099, 2007.
Gao, B. C. and Kaufman, Y. J.: Selection of 1.375-μm MODIS channel for remote sensing of cirrus clouds and stratospheric aerosols from space, J. Atmos. Sci., 52, 4231–4237, 1995.
Heymsfield, A. J. and Platt, C. M. R.: A parameterization of the particle size spectrum of ice clouds in terms of the ambient temperature and the ice water content, J. Atmos. Sci., 41, 846–855, 1984.
King, M. D., Kaufman, Y. J., Menzel, W. P., and Tanre, D.: Remote-sensing of cloud, aerosol, and water-vapor properties from the moderate resolution imaging spectrometer (MODIS), IEEE T. Geosci. Remote, 30, 2–27, 1992.
Lee, J., Yang, P., Dessler, A. E., Gao, B. C., and Platnick, S.: Distribution and radiative forcing of tropical thin cirrus clouds, J. Atmos. Sci., 66, 3721–3731, 2009.
Mace, G. G., Zhang, Y., Platnick, S., King, M.D., Minnis, P., and Yang, P.: Evaluation of cirrus cloud properties from MODIS radiances using cloud properties derived from ground-based data collected at the ARM SGP site, J. Appl. Meteorol., 44, 221–240, 2005.
McFarquhar, G. M., Heymsfield, A. J., Spinhirne, J., and Hart, B.: Thin and subvisual tropopause tropical cirrus: Observations and radiative impacts, J. Atmos. Sci., 57, 1841–1853, 2000.
Meyer, K., Yang, P., and Gao, B.C.: Optical thickness of tropical cirrus clouds derived from the MODIS 0.66- and 1.375-μm channels, IEEE T. Geosci. Remote, 42, 833–841, 2004.
Min, Q., Yin, B., Li, S., Berndt, J., Harrison, L., Joseph, E., Duan, M., and Kiedron, P.: A high-resolution oxygen A-band spectrometer (HABS) and its radiation closure, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 7, 1711–1722, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-7-1711-2014, 2014.
Minnis, P., Young, D. F., Weilicki, B. A., Sun-Mack, S., Trepte, Q. Z., Chen, Y., Heck, P. W., and Dong, X.: A global cloud database from VIRS and MODIS for CERES, Proc. SPIE 3rd Intl. Asia-Pacific Environ, Remote Sensing Symp. 2002, Remote Sens. of Atmosphere, Ocean, Environment, and Space, Hangzhou, China, 23–27 October, 4891, 115–126, 2002.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and United States Air Force: U.S. Standard Atmosphere, NOAA-S/T 76-1562, 1976.
Omar, A. H., Winker, D. M., Tackett, J. L., Giles, D. M., Kar, J., Liu, Z., Vaughan, M. A., Powell, K. A., and Trepte, C. R.: CALIOP and AERONET aerosol optical depth comparisons: One size fits none, J. Geophys. Res., 118, 4748–4766, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgrd.50330, 2013.
O'Dell, C. W., Connor, B., Bösch, H., O'Brien, D., Frankenberg, C., Castano, R., Christi, M., Eldering, D., Fisher, B., Gunson, M., McDuffie, J., Miller, C. E., Natraj, V., Oyafuso, F., Polonsky, I., Smyth, M., Taylor, T., Toon, G. C., Wennberg, P. O., and Wunch, D.: The ACOS CO2 retrieval algorithm – Part 1: Description and validation against synthetic observations, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 5, 99–121, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-5-99-2012, 2012.
Packer, D. M. and Lock, C. : The brightness and polarization of the daylight sky at altitudes of 18,000 to 38,000 feet above sea level, J. Opt. Soc. Am., 41, 473–478, 1951.
Petty, G. W. and Huang, W.: The modified gamma size distribution applied to inhomogeneous and nonspherical particles: Key relationships and conversions, J. Atmos. Sci., 68, 1460–1473, 2011.
Rogers, R. R., Hostetler, C. A., Hair, J. W., Ferrare, R. A., Liu, Z., Obland, M. D., Harper, D. B., Cook, A. L., Powell, K. A., Vaughan, M. A., and Winker, D. M.: Assessment of the CALIPSO Lidar 532 nm attenuated backscatter calibration using the NASA LaRC airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 1295–1311, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-1295-2011, 2011.
Roskovensky, J. K. and Liou, K. N.: Detection of thin cirrus from 1.38 μm/0.65 μm reflectance ratio combined with 8.6–11 μm brightness temperature difference, Geophys. Res. Lett., 30, 1985, https://doi.org/10.1029/2003GL018135, 2003.
Sun, W. and Lukashin, C.: Modeling polarized solar radiation from the ocean-atmosphere system for CLARREO inter-calibration applications, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 10303–10324, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-10303-2013, 2013.
Sun, W., Lin, B., Hu, Y., Lukashin, C., Kato, S., and Liu, Z.: On the consistency of CERES longwave flux and AIRS temperature and humidity profiles, J. Geophys. Res., 116, D17101, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JD016153, 2011a.
Sun, W., Videen, G., Kato, S., Lin, B., Lukashin, C., and Hu, Y.: A study of subvisual clouds and their radiation effect with a synergy of CERES, MODIS, CALIPSO, and AIRS data, J. Geophys. Res., 116, D22207, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JD016422, 2011b.
Sun, W., Videen, G., and Mishchenko, M. I.: Detecting super-thin clouds with polarized sunlight, Geophy. Res. Lett., 41, 688–693, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013GL058840, 2014.
Virts, K. S., Wallace, J. M., Fu, Q., and Ackerman, T. P.: Tropical tropopause transition layer cirrus as represented by CALIPSO lidar observations, J. Atoms. Sci., 67, 3113–3129, 2010.
Winker, D. M., Hunt, W. H., and McGill, M. J.: Initial performance assessment of CALIOP, Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L19803, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007GL030135, 2007.
Wylie, D. P. and Menzel, W. P.: Eight years of high cloud statistics using HIRS, J. Climate, 12, 170–184, 1999.
Wylie, D. P., Piironen, P., Wolf, W., and Eloranta, E.: Understanding satellite cirrus cloud climatologies with calibrated lidar optical depths, J. Atmos. Sci., 52, 4327–4343, 1995.
Short summary
A method is reported for retrieving super-thin cloud optical depth with polarized light. It is found that near-backscatter p-polarized light is sensitive to clouds, but not to ocean conditions. Near-backscatter p-polarized intensity linearly relates to super-thin cloud optical depth. Based on these findings, super-thin cloud optical depth can be retrieved with little effect from surface reflection.
A method is reported for retrieving super-thin cloud optical depth with polarized light. It is...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint