Aerosol models from the AERONET database: application to surface reflectance validation

Abstract. Aerosols play a critical role in radiative transfer within the atmosphere, and they have significant impact on climate change. In this paper, we propose implement framework for developing an aerosol model using their microphysical properties. Such properties as size distribution, complex refractive index, percentage of sphericity are derived from global AERosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET). These measurements, however, typically retrieved when almucantar measurement procedures performed (i.e., early mornings late afternoons with clear sky) might not temporal correspondence to satellite overpass time, so valid validation satellite-derived products cannot be carried out. To address problem inconsistency ground-based developed approach retrieve these (and corresponding model) optical thickness at 440 nm, ?440, Ångström coefficient between 870 ?440–870. models were 851 AERONET sites last 28 years. Obtained results suggest that empirically can uncertainties up 23 %. An exception is imaginary part index ni, which reach 38 specific parametric used studies retrieval required well over land. Specifically, demonstrate usefulness validate surface reflectance records land remote sensing sensors. We then quantify propagation due reference simulations. Results indicate individual retrievals 3.5 × 10?5 1 10?3 (in units). The overall combined yields uncertainty < 0.004 That corresponds, example, 3 % red spectral band (620–670 nm) by Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument. values below specification (0.005 + 0.05?; ? reflectance) MODIS atmospheric correction.