A correlation-based inversion method for aerosol property (CIMAP) retrieval from AERONET measurements

We developed a principal-component based inversion approach – CIMAP, to retrieve aerosol properties from AERONET measurements of optical depths (AODs) and sky radiances. Capitalizing on the correlation in properties, CIMAP reduces retrieval parameter space saves time by more than 80% adopting 7-8 principal components process, compared retrievals regular space. As algorithm test, is implemented 60 sets observations several selected areas southern California, Africa, north China around Beijing, results are measurement operational products. The mean absolute differences found be 0.004, 0.019, 0.032, 0.039, 0.003 0.044µm for AOD, single scattering albedo, Ångström exponent, real imaginary parts refractive index effective radius aerosols, respectively. These within or close uncertainties.