What if MODIS could measure the Q Stokes parameter?

Snorre Stamnes, Knut Stamnes, Wei Li, Yongzhen Fan, Nan Chen, Tomonori Tanikawa, Jakob J. Stamnes

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Simultaneous retrieval of aerosol and surface properties by means of inverse techniques based on a coupled atmosphere-surface radiative transfer model and optimal estimation can yield a considerable improvement in retrieval accuracy based on radiances measured by MERIS, MODIS, and similar instruments compared with traditional methods. There are uniqueness problems associated with radiometric remote sensing measurements (like MERIS/MODIS) that ignore polarization effects, and rely on measuring only the radiance. Use of polarization measurements is particularly important for absorbing aerosols over coastal waters as well as over bright targets such as snow-covered and bare sea ice, where it has proved difficult to retrieve aerosol single-scattering albedo from radiance-only spectrometers such as MERIS and MODIS. We use a vector radiative transfer model for the coupled atmosphere-surface system (C-VRTM) in conjunction with an Optimal Estimation/Levenberg-Marquardt (OE/LM) method to quantify how polarization measurements can be used to overcome the uniqueness problems associated with radiance-only retrieval of aerosol parameters. However, this study also indicates that even for existing radiance-only instruments like MERIS and MODIS and future instrument like OLCI, use of a C-VRTM as a forward model in the inversion can lead to significant enhancement of retrieval capabilities, and facilitate simultaneous retrieval of absorbing aerosols and marine parameters in turbid coastal environments.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRadiation Processes in the Atmosphere and Ocean, IRS 2016
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the International Radiation Symposium (IRC/IAMAS)
EditorsWerner Schmutz, Roger Davies, Luca Egli
ISBN (Electronic)9780735414785
DOIs
StatePublished - 22 Feb 2017
EventInternational Radiation Symposium 2016: Radiation Processes in the Atmosphere and Ocean, IRS 2016 - Auckland, New Zealand
Duration: 16 Apr 201622 Apr 2016

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1810
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

ConferenceInternational Radiation Symposium 2016: Radiation Processes in the Atmosphere and Ocean, IRS 2016
Country/TerritoryNew Zealand
CityAuckland
Period16/04/1622/04/16

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