Height and thickness of a scattering (aerosol or cloud) layer from space-based oxygen A-band spectroscopy: An analytical approach

Autori

  • A. B. Davis Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1478/C1V89S1P026

Parole chiave:

Radiative Transfer, Remote Sensing, Clouds, Aerosols

Abstract

Simplified radiative transfer modeling is used to show that both altitude and thickness of a scattering layer (in pressure units) can be inferred from spectral satellite observations in the O2 A-band at high-enough resolution, and with prior information about optical thickness.  For simplicity, the surface is assumed black (water-like).  This confirms previous claims but using closed-form analytical methods, hence more physical insight.  For optically thin aerosol or cirrus, the single-scattering limit is used; for optically thick clouds or aerosol plumes, a diffusion-type model is invoked.

Pubblicato

2011-09-15

Fascicolo

Sezione

Conference Papers